September 25

Reading

Our righteous Mother Euphrosyne, who lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger (408-450), was the daughter of Paphnutius of Egypt. Forsaking her father and his wealth, she renamed herself Smaragdus, and pretending to be a eunuch of the imperial palace, she dressed herself as a man and entered a monastery of men where her identity remained unknown until her repose thirty-eight years later.

Apolytikion of Euphrosyne of Alexandria

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Euphrosyne, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion of Euphrosyne of Alexandria

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Desiring to reach the life on high, thou earnestly didst spurn every vain and fleeting pleasure here below and didst live among men as if a man, O all-famed Euphrosyne, since for Christ thy Bridegroom's sake thou forsookest a bridegroom that was temporal.