today we commemorate a transvestite

[kassia]

St. Appolinaria died on 4 January 502. She was Roman, of noble birth (her father was Anthemios, magistrate of Rome, appointed by Byzantine Emperor Leo), and was raised in luxury. During a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, she eluded her retinue and took up residence in the desert as a eunuch by the name of Dorotheos. The power of his wonder-working prayers became so widely known that when Appolinaria's sister fell ill, her father sent her to visit the monk Dorotheos for healing. Dorotheos recognized her, and spent some time visiting with her, healing her completely. The sister returned to Rome. She was found shortly thereafter to be with child. Her father Anthemios immediately suspected Dorotheos and had him brought in for prosecution. Appolinaria then revealed herself to her mother. After the family's happy reunion (and hopefully, reconciliation between father and both "wayward" daughters), Appolinaria swore them to secrecy and returned to his cell as Dorotheos.

see Orthodox Saints January-March by George Poulos