Upon the death of the Greek king Arcadius, his eight-year-old son Theodosius was left without governance. Arcadius' brother, Emperor Honorius, appointed the magister officiorum Anthemius as guardian. Anthemius had two daughters: the younger one was afflicted by a demon, while the elder, Apollinaria, aspired to a monastic life. She refused marriage, wishing to serve God and asked her parents to bring a nun for her education.
Seeing her unwavering desire, her parents agreed and brought a nun. After receiving her education, Apollinaria requested to be sent to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places. Her parents, reluctant to part with her, eventually consented, giving her gifts for the journey.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, she prayed and donated to the needs of the monasteries. Then, visiting Saint Menas in Alexandria, she refused honors and distributed gifts to the poor. In Alexandria, she bought male monastic clothing and, secretly changing her attire, went into the desert, where she lived in prayer and fasting, battling the devil.
Several years later, her sister, possessed by a demon, was sent to the holy fathers for healing. Apollinaria, concealing her true name, healed her sister, but the devil deceived the king again, making him believe that Dorotheus (Apollinaria) was responsible for his daughter's fall. Dorotheus accepted the blame, and he was brought before the king.
Apollinaria, wishing to remain hidden, continued to live among the fathers until her time of departure came. She requested not to be washed after death. When she passed away, her true nature was revealed, and all glorified God for her holiness. The brethren buried her with honors, and from her relics, healings were performed.
