Venerable Eustolia (+610) and Sosipatra (+625)

The Venerable Eustolia was born in the city of Rome. She devoted herself to the service of the Lord, went to Constantinople and settled in a convent. By her devout and strictly ascetic life the blessed one won the love and respect of the sisters. Not only monastics but many lay people too came to her for spiritual counsel and consolation.

Saint Sosipatra was the daughter of the Emperor Maurice (582–602). She loved Christ with a pure heart and longed for the monastic life. Once in the church of the All-holy Mother of God at Blachernae the blessed one met and talked with the Venerable Eustolia, after which she finally resolved to leave this world and take up spiritual labour under the guidance of Eustolia as her superior. In the palace which the pious emperor had given his daughter a monastery gradually grew up, known for its strict rule.

Saint Eustolia died in 610, and Sosipatra in 625.