Feast of St. Pulcheria

St. Pulcheria, Empress and Virgin, from
Images of All of the Saints and Religious
Events of the Year, by Jacques Callot, 1636.
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

September 10th is the Feast of St. Pulcheria (399–453), Byzantine empress, virgin, and regent. She is celebrated for her piety, wisdom, and political skill. The eldest daughter of Emperor Arcadius, she assumed the regency for her younger brother, Theodosius II, at just fifteen years old, guiding both the empire and his education. Pulcheria took a public vow of virginity, dedicating herself to Christ, and devoted her wealth to the building of churches, charitable institutions, and the care of the poor.

Deeply committed to defending the faith, she was instrumental in the Council of Ephesus (431), which affirmed the title of the Virgin Mary as Theotokos (“God-bearer”). After her brother’s death, she married the soldier Marcian, elevating him to the throne while maintaining her consecrated life. Together, they strengthened the empire and supported the Council of Chalcedon (451), shaping Christian orthodoxy for centuries.

Pulcheria died in 453 and was venerated as a saint soon after in both East and West. She is remembered as a model of Christian rulership, uniting imperial authority with spiritual devotion and charity.

St. Pulcheria, ora pro nobis.

In celebration of her feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. Pulcheria

Glorious St. Pulcheria, Empress and Virgin, you served God in humility and confidence on earth. Now you enjoy His beatific vision in heaven. You persevered till death and gained the crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers and confusion and anguish that surround me and intercede for me in my needs and troubles. Amen.