The First
Day
Of the Month of
March
The Life and Passion of
the
Holy Monastic Martyr
Eudocia
During the reign of Trajan, a
young woman named Eudocia lived in
Over time Eudocia accumulated almost as much gold as was stored in the Emperor’s coffers, but her heart became hard as stone and her soul gravely ill due to her shameful way of life. No power except God’s could heal such a hopeless sinner. And so it was that the Good Shepherd, Who searches for the lost sheep, stretched out a helping hand; the Creator remembered His creature, defiled by the devil, and vouchsafed renewal to her. The true Householder took thought for the fruit of the vineyard and rescued it from the thief; the Master of the celestial treasury snatched the lost drachma from the mud and deposited it on high. The Guardian of the bounty reserved for the righteous made the lost Samaritan woman heiress of His perfect hope; He put the devil to shame and transformed the swine wallowing in filth into an immaculate lamb. The cauldron of degradation became a vessel of purity; the pit of iniquity, a limpid spring; the stinking abyss of corruption, an alabaster jar brimming with fragrant myrrh. As a result, she who slew the souls of many would lead to salvation many more. Lo, this is the story of how Eudocia turned to God;
A devout ascetic named Germanus
was returning to his monastery from a pilgrimage. On the way, he stopped for the
night in
“You have never heard about God’s Dread Judgment? What religion do you profess?” inquired the blessed Germanus.
“I am a Samaritan,” replied the
woman, “and was born in
“My lady, are you married?” asked blessed Germanus. “How did you become so wealthy?”
“I have no lawful husband, but many admirers. They have made me rich,” admitted the woman.
“My Master Christ is truth itself, so I enjoin you to tell me truthfully: are you willing to become poor, in order to save your soul and live happily unto the ages? Or would you prefer to burn with your money and possessions in eternal fire”? Germanus asked.
“Far better that I inherit everlasting life stripped of possessions than to perish for all eternity with my wealth,” Eudocia replied. “Still, I wonder why the rich must be punished after they die. Is your God so implacably cruel that He must consume with fire all who have money?”
“God neither hates the prosperous nor forbids the acquisition of wealth,” said Germanus. “It is ill-gotten gain that He condemns, and wasting money on pleasures and sinful desires. If a man earns money in a lawful way and spends it virtuously, he is blameless and righteous before God. If, however, his fortune was gotten by immoral or dishonest means, by theft or exploitation, and he hoards it, neither showing compassion on the poor and beggars, nor clothing the naked, nor feeding the hungry, he will be tortured mercilessly.”
“Do you think my wealth iniquitous?” asked Eudocia.
“Very much so!” exclaimed Germanus. “You obtained it by the sin most offensive to God.”
“I have clothed many naked people, satisfied the hungry, and given away a considerable amount of gold directly to those in need,” protested the woman. “How could my riches be evil?”
“My lady, hearken carefully,” said Germanus. “Everyone prefers to bathe in clean springs rather than foul, stinking water. Do you really think that, failing to wash in the bath of God’s compassion, you can, by a few acts of charity, be cleansed of the filthiness that clings to you as you wallow in the swamp of sin? As though by a mighty wave, the unrepentant are swept from the slough of iniquity to the abyss of pitch and brimstone, burning with the Lord’s wrath. Your great wealth is an abomination consigned it to the flames, as the wages of adultery and fornication. It does you no good at all to set aside for the needy a little portion of your riches. Your reward for small kindnesses is consumed in the fire with your countless vices; their fragrance is overwhelmed by the fetor of transgressions. As long as you willingly defile yourself, you cannot become a recipient of grace. Until you rid yourself of the stench of sin, wash yourself with tears of repentance, and adorn yourself with good deeds, God will not vouchsafe you His mercy. A person who walks barefoot in briars is pierced by many thorns. Although he may remove some, more remain embedded in his soles to torment him. By giving occasional alms to the poor, you may extract a few thorns of sin; but what does that matter, if most are still embedded in your conscience to fuel your fiery torment? God, the dread and righteous Judge, is wroth and threatens you with the everlasting tortures He has prepared for the unrepentant. But if you heed me, you can save yourself and inherit eternal joy.”
Eudocia begged, “Servant of the living God, remain a bit longer and tell me more about how I may render myself worthy of divine compassion. I wish to expend my wealth in a manner that will lead to my salvation. You said that the Lord is pleased when we give alms as we should. There is no reason why I cannot trade some of my possessions to escape the miseries you say God will inflict on those whom He hates. Lo, Reverend Father, I have many slaves, If you can persuade your God to accept my gift and grant me salvation, I will send them to you bearing gold, silver, and other treasures.”
“Do not reason concerning God as though He were a man,” warned Germanus. “Do not imagine that He has any need of the worthless things people value so highly. The King Who is incomparably richer than all earthly rulers willingly impoverished Himself in order to gain us, that is, to purchase our eternal salvation. Therefore, daughter, distribute your possessions among the poor and the ill, for God loves them and counts gifts to them as gifts to Himself. In exchange for temporal wealth given to the poor, He bestows a treasure in the heavens that faileth not. Do this, daughter; then come to the holy and saving font and wash away the grime of your sins. You will emerge from the waters of Baptism completely cleansed, born again through the grace of the Holy Spirit, and receive an inheritance in the realm of incorruptible eternal light. In that land there is no darkness or night, no sorrow or grief. You will be a holy lamb, grazing in the celestial pastures of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. If you wish to be saved, do as I advise, daughter, and you will enjoy blessedness unto the ages.”
Eudocia said, “If the words you read had not stamped themselves upon my mind, I would not have bid you come, Reverend Father. Take as much gold from me as you wish, but remain here, instructing me in virtue and the Christian faith. After I have given away my money and possessions, and settled my affairs, I will follow wherever you lead.”
The blessed Germanus answered, “Your salvation suffices me; I do not require your gold. I must return to my monastery, but more important is leading the lost sheep back to Christ’s fold. For a few days I will remain, to assist your conversion to God. Now, do as I say: summon a Christian presbyter. Have him catechize and baptize you according to the accepted order. Holy Baptism is the beginning, the starting-point of salvation. Afterwards, every God-pleasing endeavor follows in sequence.”
Eudocia ordered one of her most trusted slaves to go to the Christian church and bring back a presbyter. The servant was told not to reveal who required the presbyter or for what purpose. When the priest arrived, Eudocia fell prostrate before him, kissed his feet, and begged, “My lord, sit with me for an hour and explain your faith. I want to become a Christian.”
The presbyter inquired, “What is your religion at present?”
“I am a Samaritan and, I am ashamed to say, a woman of ill repute, a bottomless pit of vice,” confessed Eudocia. “I have heard that unrepentant sinners who do not become Christians are tortured by inextinguishable fire, and I decided I must convert.”
The presbyter said, “If you were once an abyss of sin, become henceforth a haven of salvation. If you were storm-tossed, enter the calm harbor. If you were being swallowed by turbulent waters, seek now the dew that drops from heaven. If you were drowning, find the skilled Pilot who can safely guide you to the heiress to the treasures there. Give your temporal riches to the poor and free yourself from the grief of sin. So doing, you will escape the darkness and unquenchable flames awaiting the unrepentant.”
“Is it true that your God shows no mercy to sinners?” asked Eudocia, beating her breast and weeping.
The presbyter replied, “When they are baptized, the Lord pardons repentant sinners every trespass they committed in a state of unbelief. There is no forgiveness, however, for those who remain in their sins and fail to repent. Such wretches are tortured without mercy.”
“Tell me, presbyter: do you think that the blessings of heaven are preferable to those on earth?” asked Eudocia. “Here we enjoy gold, silver, jewels, entertainments, and delights of every sort. There is an abundance of fish and fowl, other foods, and wine. What is there in heaven better than this?”
“If you do not tear away your mind from the deception of this world and learn to disdain temporal pleasures, you will never behold eternal life or know its ineffable felicity,” the presbyter warned. “If you wish to inherit the celestial bounty, forget the pride and delights of the present existence.”
“My lord, may I never prefer what quickly passes away to the blessings of life everlasting!” cried Eudocia. “But when I accept the Christian faith, how can I be certain I will indeed attain eternal life? Where is the proof? How will I know that your God truly has forgiven my countless sins? What if I distribute all my riches (which would keep me in comfort until the day I die), and fail to receive what you describe? Who then would be in a worse plight than I, left without refuge in time of trouble? If in my distress I appeal to those whom I have seduced, they may shun me. I need stronger assurance of your fair promises and your God’s compassion. If I am completely convinced, I will boldly give away all my possessions, go wherever you direct, and labor for the one God the rest of my life. As I was once an example of dissipation, so will I become a model of repentance. Do not be dismayed, Father, at my uncertainty: I have never before heard anything like Christian teaching. In our books and the Samaritan religion, in which I was reared, there is nothing comparable.”
The presbyter said calmly, “Do not be troubled, Eudocia. Do not allow your thoughts to waiver or be tossed about. It is the devil’s words you are speaking. Satan is the author of evil, the enemy of our salvation, a foul spirit. He is alarmed that you may enter Christ’s service and is sowing doubts and misfounded fears in your heart. His hope is to divert you from the path of righteousness and return you to a life of sin. Through love of the world and love of the flesh he is trailing you, and plotting your death and destruction. This is his sole and secret purpose: to corrupt men and drag them from the path to salvation, so they will share the ever-burning punishment awaiting him. But our God, of Whose goodness, infinite mercy, and love for mankind you seek assurance, is eager to receive sinners in His fatherly embrace, forgive their transgressions, and grant them everlasting life. Of this you will be convinced if you lift your mind from earth to heaven, abandon temporal cares, and meditate on eternity. To attain steadfast faith you must offer the Lord concentrated, humble prayer. When the souls is reconciled with God and divine light shines in it, the Lord reveals to it higher truth, whereby a man clearly perceives the vanity of the present fleeting existence, and the glory of the world to come: he realizes how merciful is God and how measureless His compassion. If you wish to be saved, heed my words. Lay aside your costly robes, dress in your worst garments, and lock yourself in a room for seven days. Spend the time recollecting your sins, weeping, and repenting for your offences before God the Creator. Fast and pray, that our Lord Jesus Christ may enlighten you and show you how to please Him. The time will not be wasted. Our Master is gracious and infinitely kind: with open arms He accepts those who turn to Him. He always welcomes the repentance of a sinner.”
Eudocia agreed to the presbyter’s suggestions; therefore the priest rose and bade her farewell with these comforting, prophetic words: “Christ God justified a publican and had mercy on a sinful woman who bathed His feet with tears. May He justify and have mercy on you, and glorify your name throughout the earth.”
As soon as the presbyter left, the blessed Eudocia called for one of her handmaids and instructed her, “If anyone comes here, wishing to enjoy commerce with me, do not let him know that I am at home. None of the servants are to reveal anything about my doings or whereabouts. Have them say that I went to a distant village and will tarry there. Give strict orders to the doorkeeper to let in no one. The slaves, including the cooks, may rest from all their duties. Keep the main gates to the property locked until further notice. In general, do everything possible to make it seem I am away.”
Then Eudocia asked blessed Germanus, “Father, why do you monks dwell in the wilderness and deprive yourselves of the pleasures of human companionship? Do you find it more enjoyable there?”
“No, daughter, nothing of the
sort,” said Germanus. “Our sole purpose in fleeing cities and worldly pleasures
is to escape vanity and pride, and to put to death the passions more easily by
means of hunger, thirst, toil, nakedness, and lack of the necessities of life.
Everything you enjoy is absent in the desert. We are distant from opportunities
for sin. He who lives in the city easily falls, conquered by the weakness of
nature, led astray by the devil, enticed by handsome faces or lascivious
conversations, ever beguiled by unclean thoughts that debase the soul. The
portal of heaven is closed to the defiled soul until it is cleansed by
repentance. Heaven is the throne of timeless light, of true joy and enduring
bliss. In heaven, there is neither sin, nor sorrow, nor grief. It is for the
sake of the Kingdom that we make our abode in the wastelands. Our goal is to
escape sin throughout our days and cleanse ourselves of past transgressions by
means of the harsh desert life, thereby opening the way to the blessedness
beyond. All our efforts are devoted to keeping our bodies unsullied by evil
deeds and our minds untainted by wicked thoughts: to avoiding rancor, guile,
hypocrisy, grumbling, swearing, jealousy, and anger. This way, we become like
the angels, as Christ Himself assures us in the Gospel. However rich a person
may be, however tirelessly he may accumulate money, he comes no closer to the
These words sank deep into Eudocia’s heart, which was predisposed to accept them by what Germanus had said earlier. Moved to contrition for her sins, Eudocia threw herself at the elder’s feet, crying, “O man of God, finish well what you have begun. Present me untainted before the Lord. I do not wish to be a laughingstock to those who would lead me astray, but to reach the end of the course and attain the felicity you attest. Do not withdraw hand and brush from the panel until you have completed depicting Christ in me.”
“Abide in the fear of the Lord,
daughter, and remain in your room,” Germanus advised. “Weep and pray constantly
until God cleanses all your sins and grants you perfect assurance of His mercy.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is compassionate and will not tarry in sending His grace
to comfort you.” Upon this, the blessed Germanus prayed for her, traced the sign
of the Cross over her, and locked her in a room, promising to remain in
Eudocia spent seven days praying and fasting; then the blessed Germanus released her from confinement. Seeing that she was pale and thin, wore a humble expression, and looked quite different than before, the elder took her hand and bade her sit. He sat beside her and inquired, “Daughter, what were you thinking about for the seven days? What was revealed to you? Did you see anything unusual?”
“I will explain everything, Reverend Father,” she answered. “I prayed the whole week long, as you instructed me. Last night, while weeping for my sins and praying, I lay prostrate with arms outstretched so that my body formed a cross. Suddenly a light more brilliant than sunbeams shone upon me. When I rose, there stood before me an awesome, radiant youth, whose garments were whiter than snow. He took me by the right hand, lifted me through the air, set me upon a cloud, and escorted me to heaven. At its entrance I beheld an even more wondrous, overpowering light and an innumerable multitude of men clothed in white. They were laughing with one another and were indescribably joyous. Seeing me approach, they greeted me as a sister. The men surrounded me and were leading me toward that incomparable light when a horrible specter appeared, black as soot or charcoal or pitch. The dreadful being stared menacingly at me, gnashed its teeth, and savagely attempted to snatch me out of the hands of my guides. ‘Are you letting her enter the Kingdom of heaven!’ it screeched. ‘Why then do I waste time on earth, leading people into temptation? This harlot has corrupted the whole world, fornicating with countless men. For some time I have devoted all my cunning and power to ensuring her success. So many wealthy noblemen enjoyed and enriched her that she has as much gold and silver as the imperial treasury. She is my emblem of victory, the undefeatable weapon with which I smite those who have fallen away from God and into my nets. Are you so enraged with me, O chief commander of God’s hosts, that you intend to cast me down and let me be trampled by her? Has the vicious revenge you daily exact on me failed to quench your wrath? Why must you abduct the slave I purchased at such a high price? Is nothing of mine sage from theft? I fear you will snatch away all the evildoers remaining in my grasp and present them to God, saying that they are worthy of the Kingdom of heaven. Vain are my labors, vain is my fretting! Why are you so merciless? Calm yourself, loosen my bonds, and you will see how, in a twinkling of an eye, I blot out the human race from the earth. I was hurled down from heaven on account of a single act of disobedience! You wish to lead into the celestial kingdom the worst sinners, who mock God and have brazenly incited His anger for many years. Why not simply assemble at once all the sordid scoundrels in the world and present them to God? I should cease squandering effort and immediately withdraw to the murky abyss where everlasting torments await me.’
“My escorts glared at the raving imp and smiled lovingly at me. Then a voice sounded from the light, saying, ‘It has pleased God to show compassion on the children of men, so that repentant sinners may find a place in the bosom of Abraham.’ The voice commanded my guide, ‘Michael, fulfiller of My covenant, return this woman to her dwelling below. I will be with her as she contest for Me’
“The angel took me back to my room, saying, ‘Peace be with you, handmaiden of God Eudocia. Take courage and be strong. The Lord’s grace will protect you wherever you go.’
“reassured by this, I asked, ‘Who are you, my lord? Vouchsafe me a word about faith in the true God and explain how I may attain life everlasting.’
“I am a prince of God’s angels,’ he replied,’ and am charged with caring for penitent sinners and leading them to the blessed life that never ends. There is great joy in heaven in the presence of the angels over one sinner that flees the darkness of iniquity and arrives at the pure light of repentance. As the Father of all, God desires the salvation of the human soul, which He fashioned in the beginning according to His own likeness with His immaculate hands. His servants the angels rejoice when they see a man’s soul adorned with righteousness and worshipping the eternal Father. If a soul forsakes the gloom of sin, turns to the living God, and cleaves without reservation to the Father of all children of the light, the angels greet it as a sister.’ So saying, he traced a cross over me. I made a prostration before him, and he departed for heaven.”
At this the blessed Germanus said to Eudocia, “Henceforth, daughter, never doubt that the true God in heaven awaits repentant sinners and leads them to the everlasting light wherein He reigns, surrounded by royal servitors, the holy angels. You beheld the angels in celestial light, as well as the majestic, unending glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. You learned how quick is God to show compassion and forgive sins, how quick to bestow His grace on those who desire to be reconciled with Him. You saw the splendid palace in which He dwells and understood how dim, how weak is the visible light of this world when compared to the divine effulgence. Now tell me what else you learned.”
Determined to serve the one God and King of glory with her whole heart, the blessed Eudocia declared, “I saw the glittering gates of heaven and confess that only the celestial King can save sinners!”
“Prepare yourself, daughter, to labor fervently for God,” Germanus urged. “Make certain that your fruits of repentance outweigh the sins of your past life. Offer the immortal and eternal God an acceptable sacrifice; that is, tears and sighs. Do not desist from lamentation until you have been purged of every stain and presented to Christ as a spotless bride. Be done with pride and the soul-destroying, unbridled lusts of youth, that Christ the Lord may remit your debt of sin. Slip loose of the heavy harness of slavery to iniquity, laid upon you by the devil, and put on the blessed and easy yoke of life-bestowing repentance. So doing, you will be freed from sin and become a friend of the holy angels and all the righteous. Be strong in the true faith, keep yourself chaste, and do not violate your conscience. Tell the devil to his face, ‘I have nothing more to do with you, or you with me. I have found my true Master and submitted to Him forever. I have torn off the rags of vile, gloomy, ruinous carnal love and put on the new, radiant, incorruptible vesture of righteousness. I have been touched by the grace of God, which has initiated me into eternal salvation. Nothing ties me to the earth: neither yearning for riches, nor love of worldly pleasures, which I have learned are fleeting and valueless. I strive to attain heavenly blessings alone. Be satisfied with what is your own, devil. Begone, you alien, deceptive spirit: robber, and slave of eternal darkness!”
Emboldened, Eudocia inquired, “Reverend Father, what would you have ne do next?”
“You must be marked with the emblem of faith, Holy Baptism, which will preserve you from harm until the end of your life,” replied the holy monk. “As for me, I must return to my monastery, but will be back, if the Lord permits.”
Do not abandon me, my lord!” Eudocia pleaded. “Do not leave before I am perfectly converted to God and receive the fullness of grace, lest the ancient deceiver, seeing me forsaken and helpless, entice me back to harlotry.”
The blessed Germanus assured her, “Your sacred hope and the fervent desire for a better life which God Himself granted you will preserve you from the nets of the foe. Abide a little longer in humble prayer, confessing your sins and preparing for Baptism. I will return soon and trust that you will be leading a godly life, assisted by the Holy Spirit.” With this, the blessed elder committed her to the Lord’s care and departed.
For several days the blessed Eudocia continued to fast, subsisting on bread, oil, and water. She wept and prayed day and bight. Then she went to the Bishop of the town, who baptized her in the name of the holy and consubstantial Trinity. A few more days passed, and she sent a petition to the Bishop, in which she enumerated all her possessions and requested that he accept them on behalf of Christ. The Bishop summoned the blessed Eudocia and asked, “Did you, daughter, write this to me, a sinner?”
“I did, Your Grace,” she responded, “and now I repeat my request that the steward of the Church accept my gift and divide it among paupers, orphans, widows, and other needy persons however you think best. I have come to understand that my wealth is tainted, because I acquired it by sinful means.”
The Bishop (whose name was
Theodotus) perceived Eudocia’s pure faith in God and love for Him. Foreseeing
with his inner eyes her future way of life, he said, “Pray for me, sister in the
Lord. You have been deemed worthy to be called a bride of Christ, since you have
learned to hate carnal lust and to love chastity. Having renounced fornication,
you strive for virginal purity; having renounced the vain world, you wish to
sell all that you have and buy the heavenly pearl; having lived a short time in
sin, you have attained by repentance life eternal and celestial; having death
before your eyes, you have won immortality; having led many to perdition, you
shall regenerate many in Christ. You have divested yourself of the rags of
gloomy darkness and been clothed in the garb of the light of faith. You are
indeed worthy to be called Christ’s bride. Your name, Eudocia, means ‘good
pleasure,’ and the Lord is well-pleased with you, because you have renounced
commerce with men enslaved to the passions, and preferred the love of angelic
choirs. Again I beg you, handmaiden and friend of God: pray for me and remember
me in the
The steward was a presbyter, a blameless virgin who, upon the decease of his parents, had donated his entire inheritance to the Holy Church of God and devoted himself to the Lord’s service. He went with Eudocia to her house, and Eudocia assembled her chief servants. “Each of you is to bring here everything I have entrusted to your safekeeping,” the blessed one commanded. The servants brought the following: twenty thousand pounds of gold, uncountable fine vessels and plates of every kind, numberless jewels and enormous pearls, 275 chests of silk garments, 410 chests of white linen, 160 chests of gold-embroidered clothing, 152 chest of apparel decorated with jewels and gold embroidery, 123 large chests of everyday clothes of various kinds, 250,000 gold coins, twenty chest of perfumes and sweet spices, thirty- three chests of genuine Indian myrrh, eight thousand pounds of silver, 132 pounds of gold-embroidered silk curtains, seventy pounds of plain silk curtains, and innumerable garments and other items of lesser value. Besides her movable wealth, Eudocia possessed real property: land, villages, and entire rural districts which produced a yearly income of as much as 802,000 denarii. After turning everything over to the holy presbyter and steward of the church’s hostel, the blessed one assembled all her manservants and maidservants. She divided among them two thousand gold pieces, as well as vessels of every sort, curtains, expensive beds, gilded furniture, and whatever was of value in her mansion, except for what was stored in the trunks. Then, giving each one a kiss, she announced, “I release you from temporal servitude and urge you to liberate yourselves from slavery to the devil. You truly will be free if you hearken unto me and are united to Christ the true God, Who will grant you the everlasting liberty of children of God and number you among His spiritual warriors.”
Next Eudocia declared to the presbyter, “It is time, my lord, for you to take what has been entrusted to you and dispose of it as you think best. I must devote myself to finding the Master Who is in search of me.”
Amazed by the blessed one’s unexpected repentance, rich offering, and fervent zeal for God, the presbyter exclaimed, “You are blessed, Eudocia, and have rendered yourself worthy to enter Christ’s bridal chamber with the virgins! You have understood how to gain admittance into that blessed chamber and, not wishing to remain outside, vigilantly keep watch for the Bridegroom’s coming. You lamp is full of oil, and darkness will never again enshroud you. May God always help you advance in virtue. As one deserving to be numbered among the saints, remember to pray for me, a sinner.”
Shortly afterwards, the venerable Germanus was apprised of everything by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Returning to Heliopolis, he confirmed that the blessed Eudocia had given all her possessions to God, freed her slaves, and embraced spiritual and material poverty for Christ’s sake; whereupon, he took her to a convent under his direction in the desert, not far from the monastery where he lived. There he made her a nun, and she devoted herself to monastic labors and struggles, toiling for God day and night. Seventy brethren had their dwelling in the blessed Germanus’ coenobium and thirty nuns in Saint Eudocia’s convent.
Thirteen months later Charitina, superior of the convent and a woman of holy life, reposed in the Lord. Under her direction Eudocia had achieved remarkable progress. She read through Sacred Scripture from beginning to end once and, guided by the Holy Spirit, attained a profound understanding of it. She also memorized the Psalter. Since no one in the community could equal her for asceticism, the sisters unanimously chose her as the new abbess. God did not tarry in confirming with a miracle her worthiness and His approval of the election, as our story will tell.
One of Eudocia’s former lovers, an extremely wealthy young man named Philostratus, was unable to forget the intimacy with the saint he once enjoyed and, spurred by the devil, began pondering how to lure her back to a life of fornication. Every day the fire of lust burned hotter in him, and after a considerable time he devised a plan. Dressed in a habit, he took as much gold as he could carry and walked to Eudocia’s convent, certain that money would buy success. At his knock, the portress opened the little window in the door and asked, “How can I help you, sir?”
“I am a sinner,” he replied, “and have come to request prayers and a blessing.”
“Brother”, said the gatekeeper, “men are forbidden entry to this place. Go a little further and you will reach the monastery of Father Germanus. The monks will pray for you and bless you. Do not trouble us again, for I cannot admit you.” So saying, the portress shut the window.
Frustrated and perturbed, but still burning with desire for Eudocia, Philostratus went to Germanus’ monastery. He found the blessed Germanus reading by the monastery gates and humbly prostrated himself before the elder. The venerable one prayed for the visitor according to monastic custom, blessed him, and said, “Sit, brother, and tell me where you are from and the name of your monastery.”
“Father, I am an only child and my parents recently passed away,” responded Philostratus. “I did not want to marry, but preferred to labor for God as a monk; therefore, I put on these robes and am searching for a place to carry out my intention under an experienced guide. When I heard about your godly life, Reverend Father, I undertook the long journey here, hoping that, if I threw myself at your feet, you would accept me as a penitent into the monastery.”
The blessed Germanus studied the man’s face and eyes and could tell that he was under the dominion of the passions. “The monastic life is extremely arduous, my son. I am uncertain whether you are capable of it,” he said. “We elderly monks can hardly withstand the grievous carnal temptations which the devil brings upon us. You are still a young man, aflame with sensual desires. How will you master the foe?”
“Father! Are there not many examples of young people who have embraced a life of virtue and conquered their lusts?” objected Philostratus. “I know about Eudocia, abbess of your convent. She is renowned for holiness, despite her youth and former dissipation. With your guidance, she vanquished the flesh and became steadfast in asceticism. Father, I will not hide the fact that her example deeply inspired me. Recalling her loveliness, her wealth, the luxury in which she lived, and how she suddenly decided to follow Christ on the narrow, difficult path, I was filled with desire to emulate her. If out of love for Christ she, a frail woman, could renounce the world and mortify her desires, then certainly I, a man, can do the same. Oh, if only I could see her just once! Her teaching would doubtless enkindle such zeal for God in my heart that I would have strength to overcome every demonic temptation for the rest of my life.”
The Lord’s servant Germanus was swayed to take the lie for truth and was persuaded that the young man sincerely wished to labor for God. “Since it was Eudocia’s example that inspired you to virtue,” said the elder, “I will allow you to speak with her.” Then Germanus summoned an aged, respected monk who frequently took incense and other necessities to the convent. He instructed him, “The next time you go to the women’s monastery, permit this brother to accompany you. He would like to see the handmaiden of God Eudocia, benefit from her discourse, and emulate her godly life.”
By and by the monk had reason to
visit the convent and took the young brother with him, as the abbot had
commanded. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Philostratus entered the women’s
community clad in monastic garb. Seeing Christ’s bride, Saint Eudocia, he
marveled at her humble appearance, poverty, and emaciated figure. Her complexion
was sallow, her eyes were fixed upon the ground, her lips were silent, her habit
was ragged, and her bed was a straw mat covered with sackcloth. When no one else
was standing nearby, Philostratus took advantage of his opportunity and said,
“What is the meaning of this, Eudocia? Who took you from your palace, fit for a
queen, from your riches and pleasures, and brought you to this miserable place?
Who removed you from the city, where you paraded before the crowd in gorgeous
apparel and enjoyed universal admiration and praise for your marvelous beauty?
What scoundrel deprived you of the fine things in life and reduced you to utmost
poverty and degradation? All of
While Philostratus babbled, Eudocia glared at him until she could no longer restrain herself. “May the God vengeance silence you!” she said. May the righteous Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose servant I am, prohibit your departure, for you came here, son of the devil, with a wicked intent.” So saying, she blew on his face, and the wretched false-monk dropped to the floor dead.
The sisters were standing too far away to hear the conversation, but they saw Eudocia blow on Philostratus. At first the nuns were astonished at the power of divine grace working in the saint and horrified by Philostratus’ death; they became afraid that the pagans, who hated the Christians ad their monasteries, would learn what had happened. Although terrified that the authorities would conduct an investigation and commit their monastery to flames, they dared not question Eudocia directly, but discussed the matter in private. One of them suggested, “We should say nothing to the abbess for now: it is already evening. Let us pray tonight and perhaps the Lord will reveal why the monk died and what we should do.”
Just before the Midnight Office, the Lord appeared in a dream to the venerable one, saying, “Rise, Eudocia, and glorify your God. Prostrate yourself beside the corpse of your tempter, sent here by the devil; pray to Me, and I will raise him. He will acknowledge Me, the God Whom you worship, and extol the power of My grace, which abounds in you.” Saint Eudocia immediately awoke, prayed for a long time to the Master, and raised the dead man, who seemed merely to have been asleep. Philostratus confessed the true God, Who had shown mercy on him, and threw himself at the blessed one’s feet, crying, “I beg you holy Eudocia, handmaiden of the one God; accept my repentance! My wicked, obscene words have grieved you, but forgive me. Now I know what a compassionate and mighty Master you serve.”
“Depart in peace,” Eudocia bade him. “Do not forget how kindly God has dealt with you, and do not wander from the true path of holy faith, which you promise to tread.”
About that time slanderous reports concerning Eudocia reached King Aurelian, ruler of the land. A number of the saint’s most eminent former lovers wrote the King alleging that Eudocia had taken with her into the desert much gold due as taxes. They requested a guard and permission to arrest the saint for accepting the Galilean faith, proscribed by the emperors: that is, for believing in Christ. The gold they promised to secure for the royal treasury. Hearing about the gold, Aurelian was easily persuaded to do their bidding. He summoned one of his offices, by rank a count, and ordered him to arrest Eudocia and bring her and the gold to him. With three hundred soldiers under his command, the officer set out for Eudocia’s convent. Before their arrival, the Lord appeared in a dream to Eudocia, saying, “The King is wroth with you, but do not fear, for I am at your side.”
It was evening when the officer and troops caught sight of the convent walls. They stopped to await nightfall and divided into groups in order to surround the monastery in the dark. However, when they attempted to approach the convent, God’s invisible hand stopped them in their tracks. At daybreak the Lord’s might was still thwarting their advance. Thus it continued for three days and nights, and they were reduced to despair. Then an enormous, horrible serpent attacked them, and they threw down their weapon and fled. Although the soldiers escaped the monster’s jaws, they were struck down by its poisonous breath. Some died immediately; others stumbled on a short distance, and then collapsed. Only the Count and three of his men returned unharmed to the King. Aurelian was furious and asked his nobles, “What should we do to this witch, whose sorcery has brought about the death of so many troops? What do you counsel? We cannot leave her unpunished.”
When the others had spoken, the King’s son proposed, “I will take an entire army to that brothel, level it, and bring Eudocia here.”
Everyone agreed to this, and the
next day the Prince and his soldiers left. Dusk found them near a village ruled
by Aurelian, and the Prince decided it would be a convenient place to spend the
night. At that moment, however,
This heartened the King, who questioned Philostratus about what had occurred to him. He believed Philostratus’ story; wrote a humble, respectful letter to the saint; and sent his tribune Babylas to deliver it. Saint Eudocia greeted Babylas with a prostration and asked, “Why is the King sending a letter to me, a poor, wretched sinner?”
While Eudocia was reading the letter, the tribune retired to a guest room, where a book lay open. His eyes fell upon the words, “Blessed are they that search out Thy testimonies, O Lord.” After reading the entire psalm, the tribune laid his head on the book and fell asleep. A radiant youth appeared to him in a dream, touched his side with a staff, and ordered, “Rise, Babylas, the dead man is waiting for you.”
Babylas awoke terrified, related the dream to the blessed Eudocia, and requested her permission to leave. Eudocia summoned the nuns and announced, “Sisters and mothers, the king has written a letter to my lowliness. How shall I respond?”
As with one voice all replied, “The grace of the Holy Spirit will guide you. Write to the King whatever is pleasing to God.”
The blessed one prayed for a long time, then wrote the following:
“It is not clear, Your Majesty, why you have written to me, an insignificant woman. I am a wretched sinner, and my conscience is so burdened by countless transgressions that I dare not entreat Christ God to have mercy on you and restore life to your son. I can only put my trust in the renowned compassion and might of my Lord, and hope that if you believe wholeheartedly and undoubtingly in Him as the true God Who raises the dead, He will manifest to you and your son His extreme benevolence. It is pointless for a man to call upon God’s holy and dread name and make request of Him unless be believes with a pure heart; therefore, have sincere faith in Him, and you shall behold the matchless power of the immortal God, be deemed worthy of His beneficence, and enjoy His blessing.”
After inscribing three crosses on its seal, Eudocia handed the letter to Babylas and dismissed Him. Upon return to the palace, the tribune did not immediately give the letter to the King, but first placed it on the Prince’s chest. Babylas shouted the name of Christ; and straightway the dead youth stirred, opened his eyes and spoke, and arose hale and whole, as though he had been asleep. Everyone was amazed and terrified by the glorious miracle. “Great is the God of Eudocia the Christians!” exclaimed Aurelian. “Holy art thou, O God of the Christians; rightly do the people turn to Thee. Thou art the one true God, and those that believe in Thee hold the true faith. I beg Thee to accept me, for I too confess Thy name.”
The Bishop of the city baptized the King, his wife, his son who was raised from the dead, and his daughter, whose name was Gelasia. Aurelian gave abundant alms to the poor and presented a large quantity of gold to the blessed Eudocia so that she could build a church. He himself erected a church on the site of Eudocia’s mansion and often wrote to the saint, requesting her holy prayers. Not long after his conversion, the King reposed, having attained profound understanding of the faith and performed many good deeds. He was followed to the grave by his wife. His son was made deacon and, when the Bishop of Heliopolis died, was consecrated as his successor. Acknowledging the vanity of the world and eschewing marriage, Gelasia also dedicated her life to the Lord’s service. Two of her eunuchs escorted her to Saint Eudocia’s convent, where she lived out her days, laboring fervently for God and pleasing Him greatly.
Meanwhile, in their eagerness to
bring about the perdition of souls, the wicked, God-hating heathen began
persecuting those who secretly toiled for the Lord.
As the vision ended, the soldiers reached the convent and scaled its walls. The Holy Spirit informed Eudocia of their entrance, and the saint went out to meet them. “What do you want?” she asked. “For whom are you searching?”
The troops laid hold of her and demanded that she betray Eudocia. The saint promised to deliver Eudocia if they would release her for a little while. They agreed, and immediately she went to the church, entered the altar, and removed from the tabernacle a portion of the immaculate, life-giving Mysteries of Christ, hiding it in her bosom. Then she returned to the soldiers and declared, “I am Eudocia. Take me to your master.”
The soldiers left in the middle of the night with the blessed one. It was moonless and pitch black, but a holy youth appeared with a torch and lit the path for Eudocia. He was an angel, and only the venerable one could see him or the light. The soldiers wanted to put Eudocia on a donkey, but she refused, saying, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but I trust in Christ my God and shall walk.”
The Governor commanded that the holy abbess be taken directly to prison. After three days he called for her guard and asked, “Has the witch been given anything to eat?”
“I swear to Your Excellency that no one has given her food or drink,” replied the guard. “But every I look in her cell, she is lying on the floor with arms outstretched – praying to her God, it seems.”
“Today I shall be occupied with other matters, but will deal with her tomorrow,” said the Governor.
On the fourth day Governor Diogenes sat upon his judgment seat and commanded that Eudocia be brought to him. Seeing that the godly one was clad in lowly apparel and that her appearance was humble and her gaze fixed to the ground, the Governor ordered his servants to uncover her head. For a long time Diogenes was silenced by the ineffable beauty and dignity of Eudocia’s face, and he marveled at how divine grace flashed like lightning upon the saint’s features. Finally, wavering in his determination to put Eudocia to death, he exclaimed to his advisors, “By my god, the sun! it is a pity to destroy such radiant loveliness. I am at a loss what to do.”
One of the judges said, “Does Your Excellency think the witch’s beauty is natural? Is he ignorant of the power of the black art? If Eudocia is deprived of sorcerous powers, she will appear as the hag she is.”
“Tell us your name,” the Governor ordered the blessed one. “What is your lineage? What sort of life do you lead?”
The saint made the sign of the Cross and answered, “I am called Eudocia, and of my lineage and way of life there is no need to speak. One thing alone should you know, that I am a Christian. In His ineffable compassion, the Creator of all has permitted me, the unworthy, to be called His handmaiden. Therefore, O Governor, waste no more time, but deal with me as with other Christians. Judge me, torture me as much as you like, and put me to death. I trust that Christ, my true God, will not forsake me.”
“A long-winded reply to simple questions,” remarked the Governor. “Do you intend to hold forth when we tear away your flesh? Explain to me clearly why you hate the gods. Why did you forsake the city and flee to the desert with money due the public treasury?”
The saint replied, “I am a free woman and go wherever I wish. What law prohibits the free-born from changing their abode? As for the gold, let me confront my accusers, and the truth will become apparent. Do you really take me for a their?”
Lengthy disputation followed, and the saint proved unshakeable in conviction and invincible in debate. Afterwards, the Governor ordered her suspended from a tree, stripped to the waist, and flogged mercilessly by four soldiers. When the soldiers tore open her robe, the immaculate, life-giving Body of Christ, which Eudocia had taken from the convent, fell to the ground. Servants picked it up and showed it to the Governor. No sooner had Diogenes taken it into hand to examine it than the spotless Body of the Master shot into flames, incinerating the tyrant’s lackeys and scorching the Governor’s left arm to the shoulder. Writhing in pain, Diogenes shouted to the sun, which he regarded as a god, “O lord sun, heal me, and I will straightway deliver the witch to fire! I know that I am being punished for my slowness in destroying her.”
Suddenly a thunderbolt of fire fell out of heaven, killing Diogenes. His corpse resembled a charred log and everyone was gripped by terror: One of the soldiers beheld a radiant angel standing beside the martyr, whispering consolation and covering her nakedness with a shroud whiter than snow. The soldier drew near Eudocia and said, “I believe in your God. Accept me, a penitent, O handmaiden of the living God.”
“May the grace of a true conversion be with you, child,” replied the blessed one. “It is plain that you want to be born again and enter a new life. If you wish to be saved, be done with idolatry.”
The soldier begged, “Handmaiden of the Lord, have mercy on the Governor and entreat your God to return him to life. If you do, many will believe in the true God.” So saying, he cut down Eudocia from the tree.
The holy martyr prostrated herself and prayed for a long time. Then she rose and shouted, “O Lord Jesus Christ, who knowest men’s secrets and in Thy wisdom didst create all things, Thy will is omnipotent! Restore to life all those who were burned to death, that many believers may be confirmed in the holy faith and that the heathen may turn to Thee, the living God, and glorify Thy most holy name unto ages of ages.” After this she lifted up each corpse, saying, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who rose from the dead, return to life.” One by one the dead stirred as if from sleep.
While everyone was still marveling at the ineffable and glorious miracles, a shout and sobs were heard. Word was brought to Count Diodorus, who was present with the troops, that his wife Firmina had been poisoned in her bath by charcoal fumes. Diodorus ripped his cloak in half, and, grief-stricken, ran lamenting to his wife’s body. He was followed by an enormous crowd and Governor Diogenes. When he saw Firmina’s corpse, Diodorus rushed back to Saint Eudocia and declared, “I truly believe that your God is infinitely greater and more powerful than any pagan deity! If you wish to strengthen my weak, unfledged faith, come raise my wife from the dead. I will abandon doubt and believe in your God.”
“It is not for your sake alone that the Lord, in His boundless compassion, intends to reveal His will,” Eudocia responded, “but for the sake of all who wish to enter His Kingdom. May God help us. Let us go to your wife.”
On the way Eudocia and Diodorus, who were accompanied by a huge crowd, encountered Firmina’s remains being carried away on a bier. The saint ordered the bearers to halt. After weeping and praying for a long time, she took the corpse by the hand and cried, “O great and eternal God, Lord Jesus Christ, Thou art the Word of the Father and raisest the dead! Be pleased, I supplicate Thee, to edify the multitude by working a mighty wonder. Command Firmina to return to life and grant her the spirit of repentance, that she may cleave to Thee, God eternal and immortal.”
No sooner had Eudocia spoken the word than Firmina rose from her bier. True and righteous is the God of the Christians! We beg you, handmaiden of the living God, to save us, for we believe in the Lord.”
Diodorus was overjoyed by the miracle and cast himself at the saint’s feet, pleading, “Maiden of God, make me a Christian! Now I truly know how great is the God you serve.” Diogenes and Diodorus, their households, and many other people were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All remained devoted to the faith until the end of their days.
Eudocia took up residence in Diodorus’ house and taught the word of God to the newly illumined Christians. One day a youth named Zeno was working in a garden near the Count’s home and at noon lay down to rest. He fell asleep and was killed by the poisonous breath of a serpent. Learning that the boy was the only child of a widow and that his mother was weeping inconsolably, Christ’s lamb Eudocia told Diodorus, “Let us console the grieving woman, and we shall see the marvelous compassion of our God.” Eudocia and Diodorus found the corpse black and swollen from the snake’s venom. The saint said to Diodorus, “The time has come for you to show your faith in God. Lift up your inner eyes to heaven, pray, and raise the boy.”
“My lady, I am but a beginner!” protested Diodorus. “I am still blind to the vision of God, O handmaiden of the Lord.”
The saint responded, “I believe without doubt that my God hearkens unto repentant sinners and grants their petitions. Earnestly entreat the almighty Lord, and He will reveal His mercy.”
Diodorus bowed his head, beat his breast and, with tears in his eyes, shouted so that all could hear, “O Lord God, Thou hast deigned to call me, the unworthy sinner, to holy faith in Thee and didst send Thy handmaiden to serve as the intermediary of my salvation! Thou knowest my sincere, undoubting hope in Thee. For the sake of Thy glory, raise this child who was killed by a serpent, that he and all men may glorify Thy most holy name unto the ages.” Then Diodorus commanded the dead boy, “Zeno, in the name of Jesus Christ, Who was crucified under Pontius Pilate: arise!”
The youth stood up and his flesh regained its natural color. Seeing that he was free of all ill-effect of the venom, everyone glorified God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and believed in Him. When the crowd began to disperse, Eudocia, the Redeemer’s holy lamb, shouted, “Wait brethren! Christ our Savior soon will be glorified again.” The people remained nearby, Eudocia prayed, and forthwith the serpent slithered out, hissing horribly. As though burned by supernatural fire, it flung itself abut and writhed in torment. Finally, it disintegrated. All the pagans who saw this went, with their wives and children, to the Bishop of Heliopolis and requested Holy Baptism.
Not many days later the venerable Eudocia retired to the convent and resumed her monastic labors. She would visit the city from time to time to confirm the Christians in the faith and lead the heathen to Christ. Fifty-six years after her Baptism, Saint Eudocia was martyred. Following the death of Diogenes, a brute named Vicentius became governor. When this enemy of the Christians heard about the godly Eudocia, he sent troops to the convent to decapitate her. It was the first day of March when Saint Eudocia was beheaded for our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Let not the reader or hearer
doubt that in antiquity a prostitute could become extremely wealthy. The Greeks
were worshippers of idols and ignorant of the true God, and regarded harlotry as
worthy of esteem. One of the most highly revered of their vain deities was
Aphrodite, patroness of whores. Ancient historians record numerous examples of
wealthy Greek harlots. For example, when Alexander the Great destroyed the walls
of the renowned city of
According to the
On this same day we commemorate
the passion of the holy martyrs Nestor and Tribimius of Perga in Pamphylia.
After they had endured grievous torments for Christ, their heads were severed by
knives. We also commemorate the holy martyr Antonina of Nicea in
On this same day we commemorate the holy martyrs Marcellus and Anthony, who were burned alive for Christ, and the holy virgin Domnina of Syia.