Saint’s Life Story

Her Early Life

Euphrasia, also known as Eupraxia, was born in 380 in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). Euphrasia was the only daughter of Antigonus, a senator of Constantinople, and of Euphrasia, his wife (whom she was named after). Her father was a nobleman and related to Emperor Theodosius I.

Betrothed at 5

After her father died while she was still in her infancy, the emperor took her mother and herself under his protection in the luxurious imperial court at Constantinople. In accordance with the custom of the times, Euphrasia was betrothed when only a girl (five years old) to a wealthy senator.

Fled to Egypt

While they waited for her to grow up to a marriageable age, her mother took Euphrasia and fled to Egypt (in order to escape suitors of her own), where she possessed a very large estate. Euphrasia’s mother chose to reside near a monastery of 130 nuns, which she often visited, accompanied by her young daughter Euphrasia. This was less than a century since Anthony the Great had established his first monastery, but monasticism in that time had spread with incredible speed.

Begged to a Nun at 7

At the age of seven, Euphrasia begged to take vows and become a nun at the monastery. When her mother presented the child to the abbess, Abbess Theodula, Euphrasia took up an image of Christ and kissed it, saying, “By vow I consecrate myself to Christ.”

Her mother replied, “Lord Jesus Christ, receive this child under your special protection. She seeks and loves You alone and commends herself only to You.” Then turning to Euphrasia, her mother said: “May God, who laid the foundations of the mountains, strengthen you always in his holy fear.”

And leaving her in the hands of the abbess, she left the monastery weeping. Soon after her entrance to the convent, Euphrasia’s mother became ill, but was overjoyed at her daughter’s vocation. When her mother later fell deathly ill, she gave her last instructions to Euphrasia: “Fear God, honor your sisters, and serve them with humility. Never think of what you have been, nor say to yourself that you are of royal extraction. Be humble and poor on earth, that you may be rich in heaven.” Then, her mother died.

At first, the nuns supposed the young Euphrasia would soon tire of the austerities of religious life. None of the burdens, however, discouraged Euphrasia. Her greatest joy was in serving God by serving others.

Refused Emperor’s Request

Hearing of her mother’s death, the Emperor Theodosius I sent for Euphrasia, as he considered himself her protector. In addition already during her childhood, he had arranged for Euphrasia to be married to a young senator of Constantinople, when she would reach a suitable age.

However, Euphrasia wrote him, refusing the alliance, repeating her vow of virginity while declaring her life devoted to Christ. In her letter, she wrote “My Lord Emperor, do you advise your handmaid to reject Christ and marry a mortal man doomed to be eaten by worms? Be it far from me to do such a thing. Let this man trouble you no more. Give all my wealth to churches, and to the poor and orphans for the love of my father Antigonus who was so dear to you. Pray for me, you and your empress, that I may be made worthy to serve Christ.”

She also requested that her slaves be set free. The emperor punctually executed all her wishes, shortly before his death in 395.

Moved Rocks for 30 Days

Euphrasia became renowned for her deep devotion to prayer and constant self-imposed fasting. While a striking beauty and elegant nun of the community at the age of 20, Euphrasia was a perfect pattern of humility, meekness, and charity. She cleaned out the chambers of the other nuns, carried water to the kitchen, and, out of obedience, cheerfully employed herself in the meanest drudgery; making painful labor a part of her penance. If she found herself assaulted by any temptation, Euphrasia immediately sought the advice of Abbess Theodula.

On such occasions, Abbess Theodula assigned Euphrasia some humbling and painful penitential labor. She cleaned out the chambers of the other nuns, carried water to the kitchen, and, out of obedience, cheerfully employed herself in the meanest drudgery; making painful labor a part of her penance. All these tasks, she would execute to perfection. Once Euphrasia moved a pile of great rocks from one place to another, continuing for thirty days, until the devil, vanquished by her humble obedience, left her in peace.

Her example of cheerfulness and hard work filled her companions with joy and zeal. The convent became a gushing stream of divine charity. Her faith granted her power over demons, healing abilities, and the performance of miracles. Notably, Euphrasia healed a child of paralysis and muteness with a simple blessing.

Her Death

As Euphrasia lay on her death-bed, Julia, a beloved sister who shared her cell, besought her to obtain for her the grace of being with her in Heaven as she had been her companion on earth. Three days after her friend’s demise, Julia was taken also.

At the age of 30, Euphrasia died in 410 in the Thebaid region of Egypt. She is mentioned by Saint John Damascene, in his third “Oratio de imaginibus”. Note, Saint Euphrasia is so highly revered in the Greek Church that when a nun makes her profession, the priest prays that God would give her the grace and blessings which He bestowed on St. Euphrasia.

Born:                  380 in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey)

Died:                  410 in the Thebaid region of Egypt

Beatified:          Pre-Congregation

Canonized:        Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:        March 13, July 25 (Eastern Orthodox/Greek Church)

Patron Saint:    None

Source:

• • CatholicSaints.Info » Saints of the Day – Euphrasia of Constantinople by Katherine I Rabenstein
  • Saint Euphrasia – Newman Connection
  • St Euphrasia – Regnum Christi
  • Saint Euphrasia – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
  • Euphrasia of Constantinople – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

St. Euphrasia of Constantinople: Young, Blessed, and Miraculous – YouTube (Awaken The Saint)