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St. Glaphyra
(? - 322) ?

Glaphyra

Feast day: January 13 (Catholic) - April 26 (Ortodox)

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A slave owned by Empress Constantia, wife of co-Emperor Licinius Licinianus (reigned 308-324).

Licinius' wife Constantia, sister of Saint Constantine, had as handmaid a virgin named Glaphyra. When it became known that Licinius had conceived a sinful desire for her. Constantia secretly sent Glaphyra away to the East, disguised as a man, to protect her chastity. Coming to Amasia, she took refuge with Saint Basileus. At this same time, St. Basileus was building a church in the city. Glaphyra donated all the money that she had received from Constantia for its construction, and in a letter to the empress asked her to send additional funds to complete the church. The empress fulfilled her request. However, Glaphyra's letter fell into the hands of the emperor.

When Licinius learned of this, he furiously commanded that both be brought before him. When the soldiers came for them, Saint Glaphyra was captured and condemned to death; but she died on the way to her execution.

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