TODAY'S SAINT (Olympias)

OLYMPIAS

Widow

St. Olympias, a lady of illustrious descent and ample fortune, was born about the year 368. Educated under the care of Theodosia, sister of St. Amphilochius, she practiced eminent virtue at an early age. She was very young when she married Nebridus, treasurer of the Emperor, Theodosius the Great, but he died within days. She positively refused a second marriage, in spite of the pressure that was brought to bear upon her.

In constantinople where she resided, her life was henceforth devoted to good works and charitable deeds. He immense riches were entirely consecrated to the Church and the poor. Like all the saints of God, she also had to endure many afflictions, corporal infirmities, and persecutions on the part of the world. Nectarius, Patriarch of Constaantinople, created her deaconess of the Church, an office which existed at that time. St. Chrysostom, who became Patriarch in 398, also had the greatest respect for her virtue. Her fidelity to his cause when he was exiled in 404 drew upon her the persecution of his enemies, until she was finally obliged to leave the city (but, she returned the next year).

Her correspondence with St. John Chryysostom was a great comfort and encouragement for her. In exchange for the direction received from the saint, she saint plentiful supplies with which, in his dreary exile, he ransomed many captives. She survived St. Chrysostom, for she was still living in the year 408. Her death occurred about the year 410.

PRAYER

God, You inspired St. Olympias to strive for perfect charity

and so attain Your Kingdom at the end of he polgrimage

on earth. Strengthen us through her intercession that we may

advance rejoicing in the way of love. Amen.

Feast: December 17