ST. EUPHEMIA THE GREAT MARTYR OF CHALCEDON (SEPT. 16TH)
A Contemporary Icon of St. Euphemia Confirming the Creed of the Council of Chalcedon Edited by Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) St. Euphemia, known as the Great Martyr of Chalcedon, was born into a noble Christian family during the late 3rd century. She lived in Chalcedon (modern-day Turkey), and from her earliest years, she exhibited extraordinary devotion to Christ. Her life of faith, prayer, and service reflected the fervent belief that would later sustain her during the harrowing trials of martyrdom. Under the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Christians were subjected to brutal persecution. In AD 303, the governor Priscus, following the imperial edicts, demanded that the people of Chalcedon sacrifice to pagan gods. Euphemia, a young woman at the time, along with forty-nine others, refused to abandon their faith in Christ. When brought before Priscus, Euphemia courageously professed her unwavering devotion to the Lord, saying that her only desire was to worship the true Go...
