Saint Euphemia of Chalcedon

A life of faith

Euphemia belonged to a group of Christians who gathered for prayer rather than attend a compulsory pagan festival in Chalcedon. When the group was arrested, she refused to abandon Christ. Her traditional life remembers her continuing in prayer after being separated from the others and enduring threats without surrendering her faith. A church built over her grave later hosted the Fourth Ecumenical Council in 451. The Church associates her memory with that council’s confession of Christ. Euphemia’s witness gives a clear image of faith sustained in community and held firmly when a person must stand alone.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Remember the people who strengthen your faith. Give thanks for that community, and ask for steady courage to keep a good commitment even when support is not immediately visible.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.