Eugenia (d. around 258)

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Eugenia (d. around 258)

Saint . Died around 258; daughter of Philip, governor of Egypt.

Eugenia, the beautiful and well-educated daughter of Philip, the governor of Egypt, lived during the reign of Roman Emperor Valerian (r. 253–259) who at the end of his rule faced severe economic difficulties. Believing that any riches accrued by the Church meant less for the State, he issued an edict demanding that Christians be stripped of their riches and made to abjure their faith under penalty of death.

According to legend, Eugenia was converted to Christianity one day when passing a monastery with her servants, Hyacinth and Protus, and hearing a psalm being sung: "The gods of the gentiles are demons; He whom we adore is the true God, creator of heaven on earth." Upon her conversion, Eugenia was given permission by the bishop of Heliopolis to pose as a man and to become a monk with Hyacinth and Protus. Purportedly, all three lived at the monastery of Heliopolis for a period of time without being discovered. After leaving the monastery, Eugenia converted her entire family and founded a convent of Christian virgins in Africa. She later returned to Rome, where, under Valerian's edict, she was beheaded. Her feast day is December 25.

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Eugenia (d. around 258)

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