Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, a Great Martyr of the early Church, suffered martyrdom in Chalcedon in 304 during the brutal persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. Over a century later, in 451, during the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon, her relics played a miraculous role in affirming Orthodox Christian doctrine. The Council had been convened to resolve a major theological dispute involving the Monophysites, who denied the two natures of Christ—divine and human. Despite long debates, no agreement could be reached between the Orthodox bishops and the Monophysite delegation. Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed entrusting the resolution to Saint Euphemia through her holy relics. The competing confessions were placed in her tomb, which was sealed and guarded for three days of fasting and prayer. When the tomb was opened, Saint Euphemia was miraculously holding the Orthodox confession in her right hand, while the heretical scroll lay at her feet. This sign led many to accept the Orthodox position, and the Council firmly rejected the Monophysite heresy.

Centuries later, Saint Euphemia’s relics were moved to Constantinople for safekeeping during the Persian invasions. During the Iconoclast controversy in the 8th century, Emperor Leo the Isaurian ordered the relics to be cast into the sea, but they were miraculously recovered by faithful Christians and hidden beneath a small church. The relics remained concealed until the defeat of Iconoclasm, when the Seventh Ecumenical Council, under Patriarch Tarasius and Empress Irene, restored the veneration of icons and formally recognized the miracle of Euphemia. Her relics were then solemnly returned to Constantinople, where she continued to be honored as a powerful witness to both Orthodox faith and divine intervention.

Troparion — Tone 3

You brought joy to the Orthodox / and shame to the defenders of heresy, / for you confirmed what the Fathers of the Fourth Council had correctly taught. / Glorious martyr Euphemia, fair virgin of Christ, / entreat Christ God to grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 2

For the sake of Christ your Bridegroom / you underwent struggles in both martyrdom and faith. / Now intercede with the Mother of God / that heresies and the insolent enemies of the Orthodox be placed underfoot. / You received and guarded that which was defined by the six hundred and thirty God-bearing Fathers, / all-praised Euphemia.