The blessed Queen Pulcheria, daughter of the Greek Emperor Arcadius (395-408), was the co-ruler and mentor of her brother Theodosius the Younger (408-450). Having received a comprehensive education, she was distinguished by her wisdom and piety, and was a firm follower of the Orthodox faith. She took care of the construction of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Blachernae, as well as other churches and monasteries. With her assistance, the Third Ecumenical Council against Nestorius was convened in Ephesus in 431.
Due to the machinations of the enemies and the wife of Emperor Theodosius Evdokia, Queen Pulcheria was removed from office. She retired into seclusion, where she led a pious life. However, unrest began without her, and after a while, at the urgent requests of her royal brother, she returned, pacifying the troubles caused by the heresies. After the death of Theodosius the Younger, Marcian was elected king (450-457). Saint Pulcheria wanted to retire to her solitude again, but the tsar and the dignitaries asked her not to leave the administration and become the wife of Tsar Marcian. For the sake of the common good, she agreed to be Marcian's wife on the condition that her virginity would not be violated in marriage. Thus, the royal couple lived in purity, like brother and sister.
Through the care of Queen Pulcheria, the Council of Chalcedon was convened in 451 against the heresy of Dioscorus and Eutychius.
Throughout her life, Queen Pulcheria defended the Orthodox faith from the heresies that arose. Having distributed her estate to the poor and the Church, she died peacefully at the age of 54 in 453.