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St. Pulcheria |
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Question: I was born into Orthodoxy and given the name Natalya. I raised raised away from the church. When I came back to the church as a middle aged adult I was rechrismated and took the name Pulcheria as a middle name at the suggestion of the priest. Can you tell me when my nameday shuld be celebrated and more about this Byzantine Empress. Thank you. |
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Answer:
Dr. Alexander Roman alex@unicorne.org You have a most wonderful Patron Saint in the person of St Pulcheria! She reposed in the Lord in AD 453 and the Orthodox calendar honours her on September 10th (New Style). The Oriental Churches likewise honour her for her opposition to Nestorianism and celebrate her memory on August 7th. The daughter of Emperor Arcadius, Pulcheria was the most significant political and religious person in the government of her brother, Emperor Theodosius II. She took a vow of celibacy and had her attendants do the same. The Imperial Palace resembled a monastery more than anything else with Pulcheria attending the full Horologion and Divine Liturgy daily. Theologically, she stood firm with the Church against the heresy of Nestorius. St Cyril of Alexandria personally sent her his theological works against Nestorianism. Although an Ecumenical Council condemned Nestorianism, it was encumbent upon the Emperor to ratify its proceedings. That the Emperor did so was due entirely to St Pulcheria's prodding and influence! She opposed other heresies that threatened the unity of the Church and the purity of its doctrine. She was known for her piety, asceticism, charitable good works and prudent wisdom in government.
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