the three saints named for the three theological virtues probably arose in the 6th century based on such inscriptions. Critical scholarship is unanimous in assuming that the hagiographical tradition is spurious, likely inspired by Latin inscriptions referring to the theological either to concepts of Holy Wisdom, Faith, Hope and Charity. Her veneration is first recorded in the late 6th century, her being mentioned in the inventory of holy chrisms collected on behalf of Theodelinda, queen of the Lombards. The veneration of Sophia of Milan became indistinguishable from that of Sophia of Rome in the medieval period. Relics either of her or of Sophia of Rome were transferred to the women's convent at Eschau in Alsace in 778 from where her cult spread to Germany. She is the patron saint of widows. A 14th-century fresco of the saints is in St. Agnes chapel in Cologne Cathedral. References Migne, P.G. CXV, 497; Mombritius, Vitae Sanctorum, II, 204 See also St Trophimus' Church, Eschau, where their relics are venerated St Faith of Aquitaine Holy Wisdom External links Martyr Sophia and her three daughters at Rome Orthodox synaxarion (OCA) Saint Sophia (Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese) Christian child saints 2nd-century births 2nd-century deaths 2nd-century Christian martyrs 2nd-century Christian saints Ante-Nicene Christian female saints Groups of Christian martyrs of the Roman era Groups of Roman Catholic saints Groups of Eastern Orthodox saints Saints trios Consecrated virgins