Commemoration of the Miracle of Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised — July 11 / July 24 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 11 according to the Julian Calendar (July 24 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Commemoration of the Miracle of Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised.

On this day the Orthodox Church commemorates the great miracle wrought through the relics of the Holy Great Martyr Euphemia the All-Praised at the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon in the year 451.

The Holy Great Martyr Euphemia suffered for Christ in the year 304 during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian (284-305). She was martyred in the city of Chalcedon in Bithynia, and her relics rested there in a church dedicated in her honor.

At the Fourth Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (451), which was convened to resolve the Monophysite controversy, both the Orthodox and the Monophysite (Eutychian) parties wrote out their confessions of faith and placed both scrolls in the tomb of Saint Euphemia, sealing it and leaving it for three days in prayer.

When the tomb was opened, the scroll containing the Orthodox definition of faith — that Christ is one Person in two natures, divine and human, without confusion or separation — was found clasped in the right hand of the holy martyr, while the heretical scroll was found at her feet, rejected.

This miraculous confirmation of the Orthodox faith through the intercession of Saint Euphemia strengthened the Council Fathers and the faithful throughout the Church. Emperor Marcian and Empress Pulcheria were present and witnessed the miracle.

The feast on July 11 commemorates specifically this miracle, while the martyrdom of Saint Euphemia herself is celebrated on September 16. She is one of the most beloved martyrs of the Church, venerated throughout the Orthodox world.