The Holy Right-Believing Empress Pulcheria, daughter of the
Byzantine emperor Arcadius (395-408), was coregent and adviser of her
brother Theodosius the Younger (408-450). She received a broad and
well-rounded education, and distinguished herself by her wisdom and
piety, firmly adhering to Orthodox teaching. Through her efforts the
church of the Most Holy Theotokos was built at Blachernae, and also
other churches and monasteries.
Through the intrigues of enemies
and of Eudokia, the wife of the emperor Theodosius the Younger, St
Pulcheria was removed from power. She withdrew into seclusion, and lived
a pious life. Without her benificent influence, conditions in the
capital deteriorated. She returned after a while, following the urgent
request of her brother. Then the unrest provoked by emerging heresies
was quelled.
After the death of Theodosius the Younger, Marcian
(450-457) was chosen emperor. St Pulcheria again wanted to withdraw into
her seclusion, but both the emperor and officials entreated her not to
refuse the throne, but to marry the emperor Marcian. For the common good
she consented to become Marcian’s wife if she were allowed to preserve
her virginity within the marriage. They were married, but lived in
purity as brother and sister.
Through the efforts of St Pulcheria,
the Third Ecumenical Council was held at Ephesus in 431 to address the
heresy of Nestorius; and also the Fourth Ecumenical Council which was
convened at Chalcedon in the year 451, to deal with the heresies of
Dioscorus and Eutychius.
St Pulcheria built the church of the
Mother of God at Blachernae at Constantinople, and also found the relics
of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (March 9).
Throughout her life St
Pulcheria defended the Orthodox Faith against various heresies. After
giving away her wealth to the poor and to the Church, she died
peacefully at the age of fifty-four in the year 453.
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