Virgin Martyr & Unmercenary Healer

Saint Hermione

Daughter of Saint Philip the Deacon, prophetess and healer who confessed Christ with courage before the Roman emperors.

Life and Witness

Saint Hermione was one of the four daughters of Saint Philip the Deacon, one of the Seven Deacons named in the Acts of the Apostles. Scripture remembers Philip’s four unmarried daughters as women who prophesied. Hermione carried this apostolic inheritance into a life of prayer, service and courageous witness.

With her sister Eutychis, she travelled toward Ephesus seeking Saint John the Theologian. After learning that he had reposed, they became disciples of Saint Petronius. Hermione established a place of hospitality and healing where the sick and suffering received care without payment. For this reason, the Church remembers her among the holy unmercenary healers.

Her reputation as a prophetess and healer reached Emperor Trajan. When she refused to renounce Christ, she endured cruel torture yet remained unharmed by God’s grace. Tradition records that she foretold Trajan’s victory over the Persians and also that his reign would soon end.

Under Emperor Hadrian, Saint Hermione was again arrested. She endured fire and other torments while praying and singing psalms. When two executioners raised their swords against her, their hands became paralyzed. Through her prayer they were healed, confessed Christ and received baptism. Saint Hermione later completed her earthly life in peace and was buried at Ephesus.

Feast Day

September 4 — Saint Hermione, daughter of the Apostle Philip, Virgin Martyr and Unmercenary Healer.