II.
DECEMBER XXV. ST. EUGENIA, VIRGIN.
He who wishes it, may hear concerning the holy maiden Eugenia, the daughter of Philip; how she by her virginity gloriously flourished, and by martyrdom overcame this world.
A certain nobly-born thane was named Philip, whom the emperor Commodus sent - he who in those days ruled—from the city of Rome to the city which is named Alexandria ; and he appointed him as chief ruler over Alexandria and the land of Egypt, and commanded him to observe the Roman law.
This thane Philip was not baptized unto God, because Christianity was not yet known everywhere, and the cruel persecution was not yet stilled.
His wife was named Claudia, on whom he begat two sons, Avitus and Sergius, and one daughter, Eugenia, of whom we now speak.
Then her father Philip put her to school that she might be educated in worldly wisdom according to the Greek philosophy and Latin eloquence.
Eugenia then, that noble maiden, well increased in wisdom and in philosophy.
Then came into her hands the holy apostle's doctrine, [the words of] St.
Paul, the famous teacher of all mankind.
Then was her mind greatly aroused by the sacred doctrine, though she was still a heathen.
Then prayed she her father that she might go away from his house in the city of Alexandria; she thus desired to seek after the Christians' doctrine, because she had no one in that city, no believing man who could instruct her, seeing that Philip drave away the Christians from Alexandria beforehand, all of them.
So then Eugenia quickly journeyed until she arrived where the Christians were singing with great joy, thus glorifying God : Omnes dii gentium demonia ; dominus autem celos fecit : 'All the gods of the heathen are devils, and verily the Lord created the heavens. '
Eugenia then was greatly stirred, and with weeping addressed her two servants, whose names were Protus and Jacinctus, who had been instructed in Latin and in Greek, together with Eugenia, in worldly doctrine, and were eunuchi, that is to say, castrated, and were to their mistress true and faithful.
Then Eugenia took them apart in conversation, called them brethren, and besought that they would shear her hair after the fashion of men, and disguise her with garments as if she were a boy.
She desired to approach the Christians in the garb of a man, that she might not be betrayed.
Then went these three, and left their companions, until they arrived at the Christians' abode, where they praised their Lord by night and by day.
On that same day came a certain bishop, Helenus by name, of holy life, with a great multitude, unanimously singing, Via iustorum recta facta est, et iter sanctorum preparata est : that is to say, “The way of the righteous is guided, and the path of the saints is prepared.
' This bishop wrought many miracles by God's help, and it was revealed to him in a vision concerning this matter, and all the maid's intent was made known to him.
Then the maiden addressed a certain mass-priest, Eutropius by name, in order that he might declare her errand to the bishop, speaking eagerly in these words : We three brethren are desirous to turn from foul heathendom to Jesus Christ, and we desire on no account to be separated from each other.
When therefore in the morning the mass-priest reported the maid's message to the famous bishop, then the bishop bade her be called, greatly thanking Almighty God, that He had been pleased to reveal to him the maiden's will.
Then he took her asunder, and said to her assuredly how she was no man, and of what kindred she was, and how she, by the virginity which she had chosen, greatly pleased the heavenly King; and said, that she should extremely suffer persecutions because of her virginity, and should yet be preserved by help of the true Lord, who shields his chosen ones.
To her two servants he said, that they ought to preserve true nobility in their minds, though they served men, and said that Christ addressed them in these gospel-words, 'I call you not servants, but ye are my friends.
Then the bishop bade the converted maiden still to continue in the man's apparel, until they had all been baptized in the font, and to join secretly in the service in the minster.
Eugenia then dwelt in the minster with a man's mind, though she were a maid, with her two servants, unknown to every one, and observed in her conduct the holy service with gentleness of mind and great humility, and by her holy virtues pleased the Saviour.
She increased in the doctrine of the true faith, and in divine writ, with a good will, and was changed (as it were) from a wolf to a sheep.
Her servants also imitated her, Protus and Jacinctus, in private devotion, and wholly kept her secret.
Philip then, her father, was disordered in mind, and her mother Claudia was seized with murmuring, and all her kindred were stirred up in their minds, and sought for the maiden with much sorrow.
They enquired of witches and of wise sorcerers, and eke of their false gods, concerning God's handmaid.
Then it was reported to them for a true tale, that the gods had taken her for her goodness.
Then the father believed the lying tale, and bade men fashion, out of beaten gold, an image of her, and then worshipped it as a holy goddess; but it was gold still.
Then after three years since her conversion, the abbot, that was her elder, departed this life, and the brethren immediately began to choose Eugenia as their abbot, for her devout life, and knew not that she was a woman all the while.
Then became the maiden extremely anxious how she was ever to direct men; yet durst she not offend them all' and despise their election, but accepted the office.
Well then, Eugenia set an example to them all with good devotion to God's service, and with carefulness governed the community.
Then the Almighty Ruler granted her, that she might heal infirm men, whom ever she visited, as they lay in sickness.
She drove away also foul devils from possessed men, through the true faith.
Then was there a certain woman, wealthy in possessions, by name Melantia, very sorely afflicted with a long-lasting fever, and she came to the woman.
Eugenia then besmeared her with hallowed oil, and moreover marked her with the sign of the cross, and she vomited out all the evil venom that was harming her, and was healed by means of the holy maiden.
Then the widow offered treasures to the maiden for her healing, but she refused them, and persuaded the other to distribute them to poor people and beggars, for sake of the sure reward.
Then the widow returned home to her own, and afterwards came often, with a false mind, to the beauteous maiden ; for she thought she was a youth, and wickedly offered her manifold treasures.
But when she perceived that the virtuous woman recked not of her gifts, nor of her whisperings, then was she wholly filled with evil, and feigned herself sick with deceitful intent.
She then besought Eugenia to visit her, and began to speak to her her dark thoughts, saying that she had been a widow for a year, and her husband had left her not a little property in land and in cattle, and in domestic servants ; and we two had' (said she) ‘no communion in this life.
Now is my mind much inclined towards thee, that thou mayst be lord of my goods and of me.
I ween it is no unrighteousness before God though thou shouldst enjoy a wife and happiness in this life.
Then Eugenia replied to this flattery, and spake to the woman to this intent, that the desires of this present world are extremely deceitful, though they be pleasant, and the lusts of the body oftentimes seduce and bring them to sorrow who love them most.
After this persuasion and amongst other teaching, the wanton woman embraced the pure maiden, desiring to incline her to shameful adultery.
Lo! then Eugenia blessed herself, and said, to her shame, that she verily was a kindler of lust, a child of wrath, a companion of darkness, and filled with blackness, a daughter of death, and the devil's vessel.
Let them that are like thee possess thy goods, we possess all things together with Almighty God.
Then was Melantia greatly ashamed, and supposed that she would betray her conversation, unless she herself beforehand made it publicly known.
Then went she quickly to the city of Alexandria, to the chief ruler, who was named Philip, Eugenia's father, though the wicked one knew it not, and began to accuse her, and wished to speak falsely, saying, that she [Eugenia] came to her as she lay in bed in a physician's garb, and desired to lie with her, if she would put up with that shameful deed.
But I cried aloud quickly with sorrowful voice, until one of my women delivered me from him.
Then Philip believed the deceitful story, and very angrily bade her be fetched, and the brethren likewise, all bound, and kept them in bonds, and in a dark prison, until he with torments might avenge the woman.
Then came the day when the judge took his seat, and the cruel tortures were made ready, and then there were brought before the judge the guiltless Christians, in black fetters.
Then quoth Philip with great anger to Eugenia, his own daughter, “Say, thou condemned one, why wouldst thou betray the illustrious woman, Melantia, to adultery, and, in the garb of a physician, wouldst lie with her ?” Then quoth Eugenia that she could easily clear herself from the disgrace of adultery, and overcome by the truth Melantia's accusation, provided that Philip would assure her by an oath that the false (female) accuser should not be condemned.
Then swore Philip that he would let go free the false widow, though she should prove to be perjured.
Then Eugenia besought that the servant should relate to the judge how it came to pass, and how she preserved her mistress against her [Eugenia's].
Moreover the judge commanded the servants of Melantia's house hold To declare this matter, if they had heard it.
Then said the servant that she long ago knew how vilely Eugenia practised adultery, and at last endeavoured to violate her mistress, but she, with her screaming, cried out for her help; 'this these servants know, whom I called thither.
Then said the servants that it was true, and all with an oath lied against Eugenia.
Then was the governor greatly incensed, and asked Eugenia how she, by herself, could turn aside with an oath all these witnesses, or by any manifestation clear herself wholly.
Well then, Eugenia, the noble woman, said that she had desired to keep herself secret, and to preserve her purity to Christ alone, living in virginity, unknown to man, and therefore at the first had assumed the robes of a man's garb, and had had her hair shorn.
After these words she tare apart her robes, and revealed her breast to the angry Philip, and said unto him: Thou art my father! and thy spouse Claudia bore me as a child, and these that sit beside thee are my brethren, Avitus and Sergius, and verily I am named Eugenia, thine own daughter.
And I, for Christ's love, abandoned you all, and despised as dung the lusts of the world.
Here are also the servants to whom I told my secret, Protus and Jacinctus, thy foster-children, with whom I went to the school of Christ, and therein have ministered unto this present day, and Him will I serve ever, even unto the end.
Then Philip, as a father, recognised Eugenia, and Avitus and Sergius knew their own sister, and her household-servants humbly kissed her.
This was soon told to Claudia her mother, and she was seized with wonder, and came to Eugenia with all joy.
Then they adorned the virgin with gold, though she was unwilling, and set her up beside themselves.
Then the people exclaimed that Christ was true God, and they all praised the Saviour with glory.
Eugenia ere this had already interceded for the false Melantia to her dear father, (saying) that she would not avenge with torments her cruel persecution.
But Christ himself sent a rushing fire from heaven above, which all men saw, to the house of Melantia, and burnt it all up, so that there was left nothing that was hers.
Then were Philip and Claudia baptized, and their two sons, with true faith.
And a very great multitude of the people were converted to Christ's service, and enriched the Christians.
Then were restored, in the eighth year, the deserted churches, and the faith increased.
Then sent Philip to Severus the emperor, and said that the Christians greatly benefited his kingdom and the Roman people, and they were well worthy of living unpersecuted in the very city whence he before had banished them.
Then the emperor granted this boon to the governor, and Alexandria city was soon filled with much Christian people, and many churches; and in every town the Christians rejoiced, and with due worship honoured God, as well as for this cause, that Egyptian folk, having forsaken their error, believed in the Lord.
And Philip gave the Christians many possessions for their common use, and well protected them.
After this it came to pass that the false heathen accused Philip to the aforesaid emperor, and said that he renounced the living gods, and inclined all the citizens unto Christianity.
Then was the emperor forthwith enraged, and commanded Philip to worship his gods, or he should be deprived of honour and goods.
Then Philip secretly distributed his goods throughout all the province, to churches and needy men, and by his great faith confirmed many others, so that the Christians chose him as bishop.
Then after twelve months the emperor remembered what had been told him, and sent from Rome another governor, with a severe command, so that he bade him kill the Christian Philip, if it were true, as had been told him.
Then came the governor, and durst not kill him in the witness of the people, because of their friendliness; but he sent (to him) certain men, who said they were believers in Christ; nevertheless they lied.
Then went these men to church with great deceit, and slew the illustrious bishop at his prayers.
Nevertheless he remained alive after the wounds for the space of three days, and comforted the Christians, and so, with martyrdom, he afterwards departed to the living Lord, whom he worshipped in his life.
Eugenia ere this had already founded a minster for nuns, with much devotion, and her mother Claudia enriched it greatly; and there they buried Philip the bishop; and afterwards they all departed together, mother and daughter, to the great city of Rome, and the brothers also, Sergius and Avitus.
And the Roman senators well received them, as well as for their old acquaintance with the noble Philip.
Then very soon the senators appointed the youths to two chief cities, in conspicuous honour, one in Africa, and the other in Carthage.
Then Eugenia dwelt in Rome, and there came to her many maidens, and she, by her example, converted them to Christ, and they dwelt in virginity, by her exhortation.
Then was there a maiden in Rome, of royal birth, named Basilla, living in heathendom, who desired to hear the holy lore at the mouth of Eugenia, but she could not approach her, because Christianity was there held in abhorrence.
Then Eugenia sent the two saints, Protus and Jacinctus, to the heathen maid.
Well then, Basilla received them with joy, and, day and night, with the love-worthy saints, learnt God's lore, and never ceased from her prayers, until Cornelius, bishop of the Christians, secretly baptized her, (washing her] from all filth.
Then were frequently the dear maidens, Eugenia and Basilla, and likewise the bishop, much employed in private conversation, and secretly by night they often visited him, and performed their duties with the holy bishop.
By means of the two maidens many others turned to faith in Christ, and to a pure service.
By Claudia's means also pure widows turned with good will to faith in God; and many youths believed in Christ by means of the two saints, Protus and Jacinctus.
Basilla had a heathen suitor, named Pompeius, of very noble birth, to whom the emperor granted the royal maid.
But she had chosen Christ for her bridegroom, and therefore would not accept the heathen suitor.
Then the youth sought the feet of the emperor, and the Roman senators, with tearful complaint, and communed with them, and accused the virging, Eugenia and Basilla, praying for his aid.
Well then, the emperor said to him in answer, that Basilla would have to incline to the youth, or men, with a hard sword, should hew her in twain.
And he bade Eugenia offer sacrifice to his gods, or men, with torments, should cruelly kill her.
He also bade all the Christians be slain, if they would not return to vile heathendom.
Then would not Basilla choose as her bridegroom any other but Christ, whom she had chosen, and thereupon was martyred for her virginity at home in her house, with a hard sword.
After these words the two saints of God Protus and Jacinctus, were soon caught, and they had to offer their sacrifice to the gods, or else they must themselves be offered unto them.
Then were they led to the loathsome idol, but it at once fell at their feet, as if crumbled to pieces, as soon as the saints said their prayers to God.
Then said the judge that they by the aid of sorcery had overthrown the images, and was much incensed.
Then he bade the holy witnesses be beheaded, and quickly they departed victoriously to Christ.
These martyrs were never, throughout their lives, defiled with women, but continued in purity unto their lives' end, with much faith.
After this the faithful Eugenia was caught, and dragged, with threatening, to the heathen temple, that she might offer the worship, due to God, to the goddess Diana.
Then prayed Eugenia to the Almighty God, and the temple of the devil fell utterly to the ground, and sank into the earth, with all its idols.
Then the emperor bade men hang a hewn stone about her saintly neck, and throw her into the river.
Even the stone brake in twain, and she sat upon the water, that the Christians might know that Christ was with her, even He who whilom led the holy Peter by the hand along, over the lofty surge, that the ocean billows might not swallow him up.
Then the emperor bade men next to cast her into a burning oven, where were hot baths, but the fire was quenched, and the baths cooled down, and all the conflagration was extinct at her coming.
Then was she thrown into a dark prison, and for the space of twenty days there was not granted her any sort of sustenance, amid the darkness.
But the Saviour came, with a heavenly light, and brought the maiden abundant sustenance, a snow-white loaf, and illuminated the prison.
Then said the Saviour to the holy maiden, Behold! Eugenia ! be not thou affrighted.
I am thy Saviour, whom thou highly honourest and whom with all thy mind and strength thou lovest.
On that day shalt thou come to me, when I became man, And on the day of My nativity thou shalt be brought to heaven.
Then came the executioner, on the day of Christ's birth, sent from the emperor, and he killed the maiden; so was she martyred, and Christian men buried her.
Then wept her mother with much sorrow at her burial, until at last she saw her in a ghostly vision, adorned with gold, with the heavenly host, thus comforting her: My mother Claudia, me hath my Saviour Christ brought to the bliss of His saints, and hath placed my father among the number of the patriarchs, and thou shalt come to us, now on Sunday.
Then departed the mother from the world to heaven on the Sunday, and her sons stood beside her, Sergius and Avitus, and they afterwards continued in the true faith, unto their lives' end.
Be glory and praise to the gracious God, world without end, for all His benefits.
Amen.