Saint Eugenia, a Roman by birth, lived in Alexandria, where her father, Philip, was the governor of Egypt. She received an excellent education and, not wishing to marry, secretly accepted Christianity, disguising herself in male clothing. In the monastery, she was baptized by Bishop Elia.
Saint Eugenia acquired the gift of healing. One day, a widow named Melania approached her, but after being rejected, she accused Eugenia of violence. At the trial, she had to reveal her secret, and her parents were overjoyed to find her alive. They all accepted Holy Baptism, but Philip was removed from his post and killed. Eugenia, with her mother and servants, went to Rome, where she continued her monastic life.
During the persecutions of Christians under Emperor Gallienus, Eugenia brought many to Christ, including Vasilissa, of royal lineage. Vasilissa refused marriage and was martyred. Saints Prot and Iakinf, companions of Eugenia, were killed when an idol in the temple fell and shattered. Eugenia was also forcibly brought to the temple, but she remained unharmed, even when thrown into fire and a pit.
The Savior appeared to her and announced that she would enter the Kingdom of Heaven on the day of Christ's Nativity. In the year 262, on this bright feast, she was killed by the sword. Soon, Claudia also received the martyr's crown, to whom Eugenia foretold the day of her death.
