Euphrosyne was born in the 5th century, the beloved only child of a couple in Alexandria. She had a warm and loving family life, but her mother died when she was still a young girl. Her father Paphnutius instructed her in the Christian faith, and often used to take her to visit the monasteries outside of the city.

As she grew to adulthood, her father arranged what he thought was an excellent future for her– marriage to a wealthy and handsome yo…