June 29

Christian Women Devotionals

 Olympias the Deaconess (c. 361–408) Born into one of the wealthiest senatorial families of Constantinople, Olympias could have lived a life of luxury and ease. Instead, she chose a path of voluntary poverty, Christian service, and unwavering devotion to Christ. Widowed at a young age, she refused all proposals of remarriage and committed her inheritance to the service of the Church.

As a deaconess in the Eastern Church, Olympias provided pastoral care to women, managed charity operations, and supported the poor, widows, orphans, exiles, and prisoners. She built a hospital, a refuge for exiles, and a home for hundreds of consecrated women. Her personal generosity was legendary — not just in Constantinople, but throughout the empire.

She was a devoted friend and supporter of John Chrysostom. When he was exiled for opposing imperial corruption, Olympias suffered greatly — both from grief and public slander — yet remained steadfast. Her correspondence with him during his exile reveals a woman of deep intellect, spiritual maturity, and indomitable love for Christ.

Olympias’ Final Words (as remembered in hagiographic tradition):

“The riches I gave away have returned home.”
According to her attendants, she spoke this as she neared death, smiling gently while holding a simple oil lamp — the same kind she used to light her chapel.

Source: Life of Olympias, recorded by a disciple, early 5th century

Selected Anecdotes:

The Disappearing Gold
When criticized for giving away too much of her wealth, she responded, “I have only sent my fortune ahead.”

Letters of Light

Her correspondence with John Chrysostom sustained him through exile. He wrote, “Your words are softer than balm and stronger than bread.”

The Fire and the Bread
During a city fire, she opened her estate to the homeless and fed hundreds daily. Witnesses said her kitchens smoked longer than the city walls.

Trial by False Accusation
She was falsely accused of conspiracy and fined heavily. She paid without resistance, saying, “If they wish to take gold, let them — I have already given my heart.”

The Night of the Cloaks
One winter, she ordered her household to cut up every wool cloak they owned to make blankets for the poor. She wore a simple tunic that night and said, “I am warmer for having given.”

Famous Quotes Attributed to Olympias:

"I lost nothing that I gave to Christ."
"The empire may tremble, but the Church will sing."
"A coin given in faith weighs more than a crown."
"Better to be poor in gold than in mercy."
"I do not serve the emperor. I serve the King."

Legacy:

Olympias the Deaconess stood as a bridge between wealth and service, nobility and humility, power and surrender. She used her influence not to elevate herself, but to lift others. Her life models sacrificial giving, the strength of godly friendship, and the power of steadfastness under trial. She reminds us that wealth, when surrendered to God, becomes a fountain of mercy — and that quiet women can carry the Church on their shoulders.

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals