A portrait of St. Olympias the Deaconess
St. Olympias the Deaconess
c. 361 – 408
Feast
December 17 · V c.
Patron of
Deaconesses · Widows · Generosity
Order
Deaconess / Widow
Greek deaconess of Constantinople (c. 361-408), Roman senatorial widow at age 17 who refused remarriage and consecrated her vast wealth to the church under St. Nectarius and St. John Chrysostom. Friend and correspondent of Chrysostom (his 17 letters to her survive); persecuted with him into exile. Pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 361 · Died: 408 · From: Constantinople / Turkey.
Patronage
St. Olympias the Deaconess is invoked as the patron of deaconesses, widows, generosity. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Olympias the Deaconess, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.