Saint Euphemia commemorated by the Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church commemorates the feast day of Saint Euphemia, a Great Martyr, on September 29. Born into a noble Christian family in Chalcedon—near modern-day Istanbul—Euphemia is honored for her steadfastness during the persecutions of the early 4th century.

According to religious tradition, Euphemia refused to participate in pagan rituals ordered by the governor Priscus. Despite facing various forms of torture, including the breaking of a wheel and being cast into a furnace, she remained devoted to her faith. She eventually met her death in an arena with wild beasts around 303–304 AD.

Euphemia is also central to a significant miracle associated with the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon in 451 AD. Tradition holds that after a long debate regarding the nature of Christ, the orthodox confession was miraculously found in her right hand within a casket, while opposing teachings were found at her feet.