The Holy GreatMartyress Euphemia the All-Praiseworthy (Commemorated September 16) is a pillar of steadfast faith and a protector of Orthodoxy who suffered in Chalcedon around the year 304 during the Diocletian persecutions.

18th Week after Pentecost. Tone eight.

• Faithful Witness: Euphemia was arrested alongside 49 Christians who refused to participate in a pagan sacrifice to Ares. Separated by the governor Priscus to break her spirit, she stood completely firm in prayer.
• Miraculous Deliverance: Subjected to horrific tortures—including being bound to a knife-lined wheel and thrown into a red-hot oven—she was repeatedly healed and protected by Angels. Her courage even converted her executioners, Victor and Sosthenes, who won the martyr's crown before her.
• A Peaceful Departure: After surviving fire, traps, and gladiatorial arenas untouched, she prayed to finally be granted a martyr's death. A single she-bear gave her a small wound on the leg, from which she peacefully fell asleep in the Lord.
• Defender of Orthodoxy: Beyond her earthly life, her relics miraculously confirmed the true faith at the Fourth Ecumenical Council (451) by holding the Orthodox decree while trampling the Monophysite document, a miracle celebrated on July 11.

"In your suffering, O Euphemia, you did not waver; you triumphed over the enemy by the power of the Cross."
May her holy prayers be with us all