During the time of the Emperor Adrian in Rome, lived a Christian widow Sofia. She lived a devout life following the teachings of Vera, meaning faith, Nadiya, meaning hope and Lubov, meaning love. It was dangerous in the year 137 to be a Christian. Many were  put to death simply because they believed that there was one God.

Sofia and her daughters were arrested and brought to the court of the emperor. They refused to denounce their faith. Emperor Adrian killed twelve year old  Vera, ten year old Nadiya and seven year old Lubov with a sword  for refusing to deny God. Because they suffered and died for their belief in one true God, they are called martyrs. Saint Sofia who watched this, buried her daughters. For three days she prayed at their graves. Her heart was saddened because her children were dead. She was proud that they loved God so much that they died rather than deny Him. On the third day, Saint Sofia also died.