Theodora was the wife of the Emperor Theophilos (829-842) and mother of Michael III (842-867), for whom she served as Empress-regent from 842 until 856, when she was ousted from power by her brother, Bardas. During her regency, in 843, the Second Council of Constantinople was convened, which reinstated the use of icons in religious worship. This has come to be known as the 'Triumph of Orthodoxy' and it is for her role in this that Theodora is considered a saint. She died sometime after her son's murder on the orders of Basil I (867-886). Theodora appeared on the coins of her son and on a rare solidus of her husband with three of their daughters - Thekla, Anna and Anastasia.

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