Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria (5th Century) — September 25 / October 8 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 25 according to the Julian Calendar (October 8 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria.

Venerable Euphrosyne of Alexandria was born in the city of Alexandria at the beginning of the fifth century, the only daughter of noble and wealthy parents. Her mother died early, and the whole burden of raising the girl fell to her father, Paphnutius. A deeply faithful and pious Christian, Paphnutius often visited a monastery and sought counsel from its abbot, who was greatly advanced in spiritual life. When Euphrosyne turned eighteen, her father decided to give her in marriage and went once more to the monastery to ask the holy elder’s blessing on his daughter’s wedding. The ascetic, endowed with the gift of foresight, spoke with Euphrosyne and blessed her in these words: “May God grant you what is better for your soul, child, strengthen you in His fear, and make you worthy of the good things prepared for those who please Him.”

By God’s providence, an elder who had come from the desert to Alexandria secretly clothed the maiden in the monastic schema. But she feared that her father would find her in a convent of women, so under the name of the monk Smaragdus she made her way to a monastery of men. The abbot assigned the newcomer, “wise in divine things” and having attained dispassion, to the obedience of Father Agapius, and instructed Euphrosyne to labor in seclusion in her cell. Only Father Agapius was permitted to visit her. The saint took up still stricter struggles: “she added toil to toil, fast to fast, and vigils beyond her former vigils.”

Euphrosyne’s father, Paphnutius, was stunned by his daughter’s disappearance and searched for her long in vain. Seized with grief, he began to visit the monastery more often, finding consolation in conversation with the abbot and the monks. The saint revealed her secret to her father only shortly before her repose.

The holy mother was buried with honor in the monks’ cemetery. Her father, Paphnutius, settled in her cell; he distributed all his wealth to the poor and to churches and labored there for a long time to obtain saving grace.

Blessed Euphrosyne is also commemorated on February 16, together with her father, Saint Paphnutius.