Saint Athanasius
Coptic Orthodox Church
St. Verena was raised in the Thebian region of Luxor. Her family was noble, and Christian who handed her over to Bishop Sherimon, Bishop of Beni Sueif. Bishop Sherimon taught her the life of Jesus Christ and, in due time baptized her. St. Verena joined the Theban legion in its mission to Switzerland. The soldiers were allowed to accompany their relatives in order to look after them and take care of those wounded. When St. Maurice, and members of the legion were martyred, St. Verena lived the lonely life of a hermit. She used to fast and pray and God made several miracles by her hands. This Saint was particularly concerned over the young girls and used to look after them spiritually and health-wise, due to her experience as a nurse. As a result of her fame, the ruler arrested her and sent her to jail, where St. Maurice appeared to her to console and strengthen her. St. Verena was interested in serving the poor and used to offer them food and also serve the sick, especially those suffering from leprosy. She used to wash their wounds and put ointments on them, not fearing contamination. At the time of her passing, the Theotokos St. Mary appeared to her to console and strengthen her. St. Verena died on the 4th of Toot. In 1986, a delegation from St. Verena's Church in Zurzach, Switzerland, brought to Egypt a part of St. Verena's relics. In 1989, St. Verena's Group of the Bishopric of Public Services, started its ministry to provide integral, spiritual, social and health services in the popular areas. On February 22, 1994, H.H. Pope Shenouda III consecrated St. Maurice and St. Verena's Church in the Building of the Bishopric of Public Services - Anba Roweiss - Cairo.
May her prayers be with us Amen.
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