Holy Virgins Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora at Nicomedia

Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora were sisters from Bithynia who chose to live as ascetics on a high hill in the wilderness, not far from the hot springs of Pythia. According to their Life, their prayers for the sick brought them to the notice of the governor Fronto, in the time of Emperor Maximian (c. 305–311).

He summoned them and tried first flattery and then threats to make them sacrifice. They answered that they were sisters in spirit as well as flesh and wished to die together. Menodora was beaten to death; four days later Metrodora was hung up and burned with candles, and Nymphodora was torn with iron claws and beaten with rods until she died. Their Life tells that a fire built to burn their bodies was put out by a storm.