St Shenouda Podcast: The Hidden Ascetic—St. Euphrosyne of Alexandria

Welcome to the St Shenouda Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of St. Euphrosyne of Alexandria, a 5th-century saint whose story belongs to a group of legends about Christian virgins who used male attire to pursue a life of celibacy and asceticism. Born around 410 to Paphnutius, a rich and pious man of Alexandria, Euphrosyne was her parents' only daughter, born in response to fervent prayers.

When she turned eighteen, facing an impending marriage to a wealthy youth, Euphrosyne chose instead to consecrate her life to God. She fled home and made the dramatic decision to disguise herself in male attire. Under the assumed name Smaragdus—a name meaning "precious emerald gemstone"—she gained admit ...