These three sisters lived as ascetics on a mountain. Many of the ill and infirm in the region were being healed by their prayers. The local governor was not terribly keen on this effective marketing strategy, and had the women summoned, and demanded that they abandon the faith. Naturally they refused, and were tortured and killed around AD 304.

According to legend, after their deaths, the governor, Frontonius was struck by lightening and died.

The sisters were buried at a hot-spring in Pythias.

The connection with the spring and the virgin martyrs is not uncommon. In this instance the fact that they were healers compounds the association. The sites of springs were healing places, both for mind and body because in addition to the benefits of hot-springs, and mineral springs, they are often found in places of pristine beauty, or “charis” (grace). An idea embodied by virginity, and the virgins themselves. See for example the frequent literary connection between Paradise which is beautiful and fruitful without the soil ever having been worked, or tilled.

As early as the late fourth century the Theotokos began to be closely associated with springs – there is a famous icon of her sitting in a fountain (no it’s not a late antique wet T-shirt competition!). Earlier, more abstract imagery (one example in the British Museum) shows a fountain flanked on either side by deer. It is not uncommon to encounter sites, named in the medieval period for their spring, still bearing a name associated with Mary. An example not too far from where I am now “Ladywell” comes to mind. Sadly the actual spring is now under a pub carpark!