The Greek Emperor Arcadius, on his deathbed, left behind his eight-year-old son Theodosius and three daughters - Pulcheria, Arcadia, and Marina. Pulcheria, distinguished by her wisdom and modesty, was accepted by her brother into co-sovereignty and received the title of Augusta. At the age of 16, she began to govern the empire, refusing marriage in favor of serving God and preserving her virginity. She arranged a golden altar in the cathedral church and urged her sisters to maintain their virginity.
Pulcheria cared for her brother, teaching him virtue and good conduct. She founded temples and distributed alms, maintaining peace in the realm. When Theodosius turned 20, Pulcheria found him a worthy wife, the pagan Athenais, who accepted Christianity and received the name Eudocia. From this marriage, a daughter Eudocia was born.
Through Pulcheria's efforts, the Third Ecumenical Council was convened in Ephesus against Nestorius. She turned her brother towards Orthodoxy, but soon the enemy of mankind plotted to remove her from power. Chrysanthius, a eunuch and advisor to the emperor, harbored hostility towards Patriarch Flavian and began to weave intrigues against Pulcheria, sowing discord between her and Eudocia.
Pulcheria, realizing the designs of her enemies, relinquished imperial power and withdrew into seclusion. During this time, the heretics acted without fear until God opened Theodosius's eyes to the true state of affairs. After a series of events, including a misunderstanding involving an apple, the emperor realized his mistake and punished Chrysanthius, who drowned in the sea.
Eudocia, on her deathbed, testified to the innocence of Paulinus, who had been wrongfully condemned. Pulcheria, not wishing to return to power, nevertheless agreed when Theodosius again asked for her help. She returned to the palace, and peace in the realm was restored.
After Theodosius's death, Pulcheria facilitated the election of Marcian to the throne. She consented to marry him while preserving her virginity, and together they defended Orthodoxy. Pulcheria lived for 54 years, giving all her possessions to the churches and the poor, and she departed to the Lord, whom she served with all her heart.
