Right-believing Empress Pulcheria (+453)

The pious Empress Pulcheria, the daughter of Arcadius, Emperor of the Greeks (395–408), was the co-ruler and counsellor of her brother, Theodosius the Younger (408–450). Educated in many fields, the ruler was distinguished by wisdom and piety and was firmly faithful to the Orthodox faith. With her support the Third Ecumenical Council was convened in Ephesus in 431.

Through the intrigues of her enemies and of Eudocia, the wife of the Emperor Theodosius, Pulcheria was removed from power. She withdrew and gave herself to a God-pleasing life, but soon, because of disturbances that arose in the country, at her brother’s request she returned to the court again.

After the death of Theodosius the Younger the Emperor Marcian (450–457) ascended the throne. Saint Pulcheria wished to return to solitude again, but the king and the nobles begged her not to give up the government and to become Marcian’s wife. For the common good she agreed to this proposal, but on condition that her virginity be preserved in the marriage. Thus the empress lived with monastic purity.

Through Saint Pulcheria’s efforts the Fourth Ecumenical Council was convened in Chalcedon, which condemned the heresies of Dioscorus and Eutyches. At last the saint distributed all her property to the poor and the Church, and in 453, at the age of fifty-four, commended her soul to the Lord in peace.