Theodotus of Ancyra
4th‑century Galatian innkeeper and martyr, Christian saint, sheltered persecuted Christians during the Diocletianic persecution
Feast: 7 June (not on the universal Roman calendar; kept in the Roman Martyrology or local calendars)
Who they were
According to his Acts, Theodotus was a married innkeeper at Ancyra in Galatia, known for his charity, who strengthened many Christians in the persecution of about 303 under Diocletian. When the governor ordered that all food for sale be first offered to idols, Theodotus stocked up provisions and his house became a refuge for Christians, a hospital for the sick and a place of worship.
After seven Christian virgins were martyred by drowning, he recovered and buried their bodies, and for this he was arrested and, after many sufferings, put to the sword. He is the patron of innkeepers, and has a feast on 7 June.
The miracles
There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.
Why that counted as sanctity
A charitable innkeeper of Ancyra, martyred for burying the bodies of martyrs.
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), via New Advent - St. Theodotus of Ancyra
- Roman Martyrology, 18 May (Italian Bishops' Conference, Santo del giorno)
- Wikidata Q1260525 — dates, feast day and identifiers (CC0)
- English Wikipedia — Theodotus of Ancyra (martyr) (CC BY-SA)
Checked against the sources listed on 22 September 2026. Corrections welcome.