Martyr · 180-192
Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome
Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, and with her the Martyrs Philip, her father, Protus, Hyacinth, Basilla, and Claudia († c. 262)
New Calendar December 24 Old Calendar January 6
Why they are a saint
The Roman maiden Eugenia was the daughter of the Alexandrian eparch Philip, protector of Christians “completed for the sake of their way of life and a philosophy.” She “was very sharp and diligent in learning, comfortably understanding everything, and whatever she heard or read once, that she remembers well, as if written on copper sheets, having it in her heart.” Possessing beauty, Eugenia at the same time was distinguished “by chaste thoughts and virginal purity.” One of the most famous and well-born young men strenuously sought her hand, but she answered the proposal of her parents concerning marriage with him: “It is better for a man to be moral than it is for him to be noble, for it is to live with him, but not born of him.” Other “bright young men born in glory and wealth” also sough. The Orthodox Church commemorates Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome on December 24.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome as a patron when they bear the name Nun-Martyr at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 24. As a martyr, she is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.