Virgin-Martyr Euphrasia of Nicomedia

Euphrasia of Nicomedia was a virgin-martyr who suffered during the persecution under the emperor Maximian in the early fourth century. She is commemorated on January 19.

By the accounts she was born at Nicomedia into an illustrious family and was a Christian. When the authorities demanded that she offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, she refused, and for her confession of Christ she was beaten and subjected to torments. Holding fast to her faith and her virginity, she was at last put to death by the sword.