This paper examines the motivations behind Theodoret of Cyrrhus’s presentation of holy women in his seminal work. His approach is shaped by the broader Classical literary tradition, which generally conveyed unfavorable views of women. Theodoret seeks to overcome these prejudices by promoting asceticism as a means through which women could attain spiritual authority and leadership. Furthermore, he draws on key theological insights from the baptismal theology of the Antiochian tradition, demonstrating the depth of his own theological formation.