Saint Olympias

Olympias was born into a rich noble family of Constantinople around 368 and was widowed very young. She refused to remarry, was ordained a deaconess, and used her great wealth to care for the poor, the sick and the Church, founding a community of women next to the cathedral. She was a close friend and supporter of Saint John Chrysostom, and when he was unjustly exiled she was persecuted, fined and finally exiled as well. She died in Nicomedia around 408, and seventeen letters Chrysostom wrote to her from exile still survive.

The letters of Saint John Chrysostom to Olympias are treasured as words of comfort for people who suffer. She is honored in both the Latin and Eastern Churches.