Zoë was a Roman noblewoman, married to a high court official of the then-pagan Roman Empire (Christianity was outlawed and punishable by death). However, Zoë converted to Christianity and became deeply devoted to St. Peter. One day while praying at Peter’s tomb, Zoë’s criminal secret was revealed. She was promptly apprehended and jailed for her impropriety, and given a rather harsh sentence (even by 3rd century standards). Zoë was to meet one of the cruelest deaths under the Emperor Diocletian. She was hung from a tree by her hair and then lit on fire at her feet. She was martyred c. 286 A.D. on July 5, her Feast Day.
