[Roman Martyrology on Jan. 1st, but anciently on Feb. 11th; with great solemnity by the Greeks on September 25th. She is sometimes erroneously called Euphrosia or Euphrasia by martyrologists. The life of S. Euphrosyne is found inserted in the _Vitæ Patrum_. The authors of some of these lives are known, as S. Ephrem, S. Jerome, Sophronius of Jerusalem, Paulus Diaconus, but it is not known by whom the life of S. Euphrosyne was written. In gravity and purity of style it is not behind any of the others. That after her death a Greek life was written, which was translated into Latin, seems probable, from the extension of her cultus in the ancient Latin Church. Her life exists in an ancient Greek ode, and in a Latin heroic poem; another life is given by Simeon Metaphrastes, in all particulars of importance agreeing with that in the Lives of the Fathers, but without its freshness and ring of antiquity.] The history of S. Euphrosyne, as given in the "Lives of the Fathers of the Desert," written, apparently, shortly after her death, is told so simply and beautifully by the ancient historian, that it shall be given here, somewhat abbreviated, but otherwise literally translated. There was a man of Alexandria named Paphnutius, honourable, and observing the commandments of God. He married a wife worthy of his race, and of honest manners, but she was barren. Thereat the man was troubled much and sorrowful, likewise his wife was sore afflicted, seeing the distress of her husband. And after some time he told a certain abbot his desire; and he, compassionating him, besought the Lord to give him a child. Then God heard the prayers of these twain, and gave to Paphnutius a daughter. After that, Paphnutius brought his wife to the monastery, that she should be blessed by the abbot and the brethren. And when the little girl was seven years old, she was baptized, and called Euphrosyne, and her parents rejoiced over her, because they had received her of the Lord, and she was comely of face. Now when she was twelve years old, her mother died, and she lived with her father, who taught her her letters, and to read, and all the rest of the world's knowledge. The good report of her spread through the town, for she was wise in knowledge, and very comely, and composed in face and spirit. Thus many desired to mate her with their sons, and tried to come to terms with the father, but could not gain their point; for he said, "God's will be done." But one man excelled all in wealth and honour, and he sought the father and asked him to give his daughter to his own son in marriage; and he consented; so the usual betrothal gifts were made. And after some time, when she was aged eighteen, Paphnutius, taking her, went to the monastery with her, and gave monies for the need of the brethren, and said to the abbot, "I have brought to thee the fruit of thy prayers, that thou mayest pray for her, for I am about to deliver her in marriage."