In one of these she kept Photius imprisoned for a long time.

He managed, however, to escape, not only once, but twice.

The first time he took sanctuary in the Church of the Mother of God, which is one of the most sacred and famous churches in Byzantium, wherein he sat as a suppliant at the holy table; but she ordered him to be removed by main force and again imprisoned.

The second time he fled to the Church of St.Sophia, and suddenly took refuge in the holy font, which is held in reverence by Christians above all other places; but the woman was able to drag him even from thence, for to her no place ever was sacred or unassailable; and she thought nothing of violating the holiest of sanctuaries.

The Christian priests and people were struck with horror at her impiety, but nevertheless yielded and submitted to her in everything.
Photius had lived in this condition for nearly three years, when the prophet Zacharias appeared to him in a dream, commanded him to escape, and promised his assistance.