On Wednesday, July 11, 2012, Metropolitan Gennadios of Italy and Meliti presided over the Divine Liturgy for the commemoration of St. Euphemia the Great Martyr, whose entire relic is preserved intact and treasured at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. The service was attended by His All-Holiness, clergy of the Patriarchal Throne, and numerous pilgrims from various Countries.

photos by Nicolaos Manginas

About the Feast: In 451, during the reign of the Sovereigns Marcian and Pulcheria, the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convoked in Chalcedon against Eutyches and those of like mind with him. After much debate, the Fathers who were the defenders of Orthodoxy, being 630 in number, agreed among themselves and with those who were of contrary mind, to write their respective definitions of faith in separate books, and to ask God to confirm the truth in this matter. When they had prepared these texts, they placed the two tomes in the case that held Saint Euphemia’s relics, sealed it, and departed. After three days of night-long supplications, they opened the reliquary in the presence of the Emperor, and found the tome of the heretics under the feet of the Martyr, and that of the Orthodox in her right hand.

About the Life of the Saint: Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.