In the orthodox tradition, the Holy Martyress Thomais helps believers overcome lustful passions. A native of Alexandria of Egypt, Thomais was married at 15 years of age. While her husband was away, Thomais’s father-in-law sought to seduce her and when she spurned his advances, he killed her by stabbing her with a sword. Monks from a nearby monastery buried Thomais in their cemetery. Later, Thomais was canonized as a Holy Martyress. This icon depicts her holding a cross, the attribute of a martyred saint. The scenes on the margins illustrate the story of her life.
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- The Holy Martyress Thomais, late 18th century. Tempera on wooden panel. 54 x 93 cm. Yaroslavl Art Museum, Yaroslavl, Russia.
