Today the Orthodox Church honors the memory of Saint Euphrosyne, her father, Saint Paphnutius and Saint Martyr Paphnutius.
Saint Euphrosyne was coming from wealthy and pious parents, who gave birth to her after many difficulties and prayers to God. At the age of 12 she was orphaned by her mother and devoted herself to prayer and the study of the Holy Scriptures as well as to charitable works.
When her father tried to arrange a marriage for her, she escaped to a Christian family and then to a convent. Then she went to a male monastery disguised as a monk. Finally, towards the end of her earthly life, she met her aged father. As can be seen from their prayer, they both longed to meet. Then, Saint Euphrosyne revealed her identity.
Undoubtedly, today’s man, who lives with the worldly mind, finds it difficult to comprehend the value and experience of divine love as we know it through the lives of the Saints. But when love for Christ reigns above everything human, then the dynamics of this relationship are understood.
Therefore, the adventurous story of the life of Saint Euphrosyne may sound unbelievable, according to the experiences of the postmodern era and yet it is true, by the grace of God and for the strengthening of the people who struggle in their lives, for the honest and true and do not compromise in the measures of everyday life.
Source: Church of Cyprus
