13th March - Saint Euphrasia of Constantinople
The noble virgin Euphrasia in her letter to Emperor Theodosius wrote, “I belong to Jesus, and I cannot give myself to anyone else. My only desire is that the world should forget about me completely.”
Invincible emperor, having consecrated myself to Christ in perpetual chastity, I cannot be false to my engagement, and marry a mortal man, who will shortly be the food of worms. For the sake of my parents, be pleased to distribute their estates among the poor, the orphans, and the church. Set all my slaves at liberty, and discharge my vassals and servants, giving them whatever is their due. Order my father's stewards to acquit my farmers of all they owe since his death, that I may serve God without (obstacle) or hindrance, and may stand before him without the solicitude of temporal affairs. Pray for me, you, and your empress, that I may be made worthy to serve Christ.
