Saint Eugenia
Saint Eugenia of Rome (died c. 258 AD in Rome, Italy) was a Roman martyr venerated from antiquity, whose legend describes her as the daughter of the Roman prefect of Alexandria, who disguised herself as a man to join a monastery and was later martyred under Valerian. Though her historical existence is uncertain, she was widely venerated in the early medieval West and East. Her feast day is December 25 in the Roman Martyrology (December 24 in some traditions).
Stored in Cargo: Saint Eugenia
| Saint Eugenia | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | December 25 |
| Profession | Virgin; martyr; disguised monk (according to legend) |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; early Roman church |
| Patronage | Converts; virgins; those falsely accused; transgender and cross-dressing saints (historically venerated) |
| Attributes | Monk's habit (male); palm of martyrdom; sword; book |
| Birthplace | Alexandria, Egypt (according to legend) |
| Death Place | Rome, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; beheaded at Rome under the Valerian persecution |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Sant'Apollinare alle Terme Neroniane-Alessandrine, Rome — her relics were venerated here |
| Liturgical Class | Not in universal Roman Calendar; listed in Roman Martyrology on December 25 |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
The story of Eugenia is preserved in a Latin Passio (account of martyrdom) of uncertain date, probably composed in the 5th or 6th century. According to the legend, she was the daughter of Philip, the Roman prefect of Egypt (Alexandria). She became interested in Christianity through reading Paul's letters and, disguising herself as a young man named Eugenius, joined a monastery near Alexandria with two servants. Through her virtue and learning she eventually became abbot of the community.
A wealthy woman named Melanthia, whom Eugenia had healed of a fever, fell in love with Eugenius and, rebuffed, accused him/her of assault before the prefect — who happened to be Eugenia's own father. In court, Eugenia revealed her identity, proving her innocence. Her father Philip was converted to Christianity and became Bishop of Alexandria. He was eventually martyred. Eugenia, together with her mother, servants, and friends, went to Rome.
In Rome she was arrested during the Valerian persecution and, after surviving an assassination attempt by a sword, was beheaded on December 25 (Christmas Day), 258 AD. Her companions Protus and Hyacinthus (her servants, who had accompanied her throughout) were also martyred and are venerated on September 11.
Her relics were kept at Rome. Her feast is December 25 in the Roman Martyrology.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Alexandria, Egypt (according to legend)
Death location: Rome, Italy
Notable location: The city of her martyrdom; churches dedicated to her in Rome; her cult was strong in the early medieval city (Rome, Italy)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Feast day
December 25
Veneration
Saint Eugenia is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, with her feast on December 25.
Prayers
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