Biography
Hermione of Ephesus
About Hermione of Ephesus
Hermione is remembered in Eastern Orthodox tradition as one of the daughters of Philip the deacon, a family associated in Acts with prophecy. The church’s Life places her at Ephesus with a sister named Eutykhida. It describes her learning healing arts and caring for ill people.
The Life places episodes of confrontation under emperors Trajan and Hadrian. Its dramatic torture scenes, visions, and miraculous escapes are hagiographic elements and cannot establish a secure sequence of events. Its central portrait is of a Christian woman who offers care and refuses to abandon her faith.
The Orthodox Church in America commemorates her on September 4. No defensible birth or death year is entered because the narrative does not establish one.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.