Orthodox Icon of St. Eugenia

Saint Eugenia

December 24th
Troparion (Tone 3)
In thy praise inspired by the Holy Spirit, thou didst receive the light of divine knowledge, O Eugenia, glorious Virgin of Christ. And radiant among the choir of the righteous, thou didst triumph over the enemy in thy contest. O glorious Martyr, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

St. Eugenia was the daughter of the Eparch of Egypt, Philip. The Christians were forced out of the capital city. St. Eugenia visited them and accepted the Faith. Fearing her parents, she fled with two eunuchs to a men's monastery. She disguised herself as a man and remained there. So great was her faith and monasticism that God gave her the gift of healing. She healed a woman named Melanthia. Melanthia, thinking St. Eugenia was a man, tried to lead her into bodily sin. After being refused by St. Eugenia, Melanthia slandered her to the Eparch. All the monks, including St. Eugenia and her two eunuchs, Protus and Hyacinth, were bound and thrown in prison. They were then brought before the Eparch. St. Eugenia revealed herself to her father, Eparch Philip. Philip then accepted the Faith with all of his household. He was installed as Bishop of Alexandria. In great anger, the emperor had Philip killed. St. Eugenia, with the remaining household, moved to Rome. While in Rome, she evangelized and converted many, especially maidens. Eunuchs Protus and Hyacinth were beheaded, followed by St. Eugenia. She survived being thrown in water to drown and then in fire to burn. Christ appeared to her in a dream telling her that she would die on the Feast of Nativity. She was beheaded on December 25th, 262.

This Icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas.

Order # inp-168