Born in 380, Euphrasia was the posthumously born daughter of a senator of Constantinople, a nobleman related to the Emperor Theodosius. When she was a small child, Euphrasia left the city with her mother, also named Euphrasia. The elder Euphrasia, who wanted avoid suitors for her hand, retired to an estate in Egypt, where she adopted the rigorously ascentic style of life followed by the 130 nuns at a convent nearby.
Inspired by her mother’s example, the younger Euphrasia dedicated herself to a life of piety, charitable work, and penitence. At the age of seven, she asked to join the convent as a novice.
After her mother’s death, when the younger Euphrasia was twelve years old, the emperor wanted the girl to return to court and to marry, but she declined.
In a letter to Theodosius, she asked that all her estates be sold, that the profits from the sale be dedicated to charity, and that her slaves be freed:
Invincible emperor, having consecrated myself to Christ in perpetual chastity, I cannot be false to my engagement, and marry a mortal man, who will shortly be the food of worms. For the sake of my parents, be pleased to distribute their estates among the poor, the orphans, and the church. Set all my slaves at liberty, and discharge my vassals and servants, giving them whatever is their due. Order my father’s stewards to acquit my farmers of all they owe since his death, that I may serve God without let [obstacle] or hindrance, and may stand before him without the solicitude of temporal affairs. Pray for me, you, and your empress, that I may be made worthy to serve Christ.