SAINT EUPHRASIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
The name Euphrasia is Greek, meaning cheerfulness.
Saint Euphrasia was strengthened and supported in her faith by Bishop (Saint) Anthimus, who is venerated on April 27. She was cruelly tormented and finally beheaded for Christ's sake, which happened under Emperor Diocletian at Nicomedia in Bithynia.
In church art, Euphrasia is depicted with a soldier standing beside her, sword drawn, whom she persuades to behead her. For the legend also relates that she was handed over to a soldier who was to rape her; but Euphrasia told him that if he did not do her any violence, she would give him an ointment in return that would protect him from any wounds and death. To demonstrate its marvellous effect, she smeared her neck with it, saying that he should just attempt to strike off her head and he would see for himself that the ointment worked. The soldier did, and her head fell, and her chastity was saved. (II. 220.)
Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Euphrasia may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sources of these articles (in the original German): books.google.co.uk, de-academic.com, zeno.org, openlibrary.org
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