St Zoe lived during the beginning stages of Emperor Diocletian’s Christian persecution. She married a top Roman jurist named Nicostratus. She went mute for six years, but had her voice restored when St. Sebastian made the Sign of the Cross on her forehead.
Now able to speak, Zoe and Nicostratus asked for baptism. Devout and faithful to St. Peter, she was taken prisoner on religious grounds while visiting his tomb. She was put on public trial where she refused to renounce her faith. She was martyred over fire, dying of smoke inhalation. Her body was tossed into the Tiber River.
Killed in 286, Zoe appeared in a vision to St. Sebastian while he was in prison anticipating execution. He noted this so the example of her faith and bravery could inspire others. Her feast day is July 5.
