Eugenie is a virgin who was martyred in 257, in the time of Emperor Valerian. Daughter of Governor Philip, she knew how to read Greek and Latin literature at the age of 16.

Eugenie is walking with two of her servants when she hears preaching and songs that delight her. She then decides to join the singers, who are monks, and lead their lives. To do so, she gets a haircut, puts on men's clothes and takes the name Eugene. She acquired great fame in the monastery, especially for her power to heal the sick.

Hearing this, a woman named Melanthia, who was seriously ill, brought her home. Eugenie heals her, but Melanthia convinced that she has a man in front of her, wants to reward her with her charms. Of course, Eugenie refuses, and the humiliated lady drags her to court, accusing her of trying to rape her.

Nearly thrown to the lions, in the presence of her father, the governor Philip, Eugenie decides to reveal the truth: she tears her tunic, showing the crowd a breast that has nothing masculine about it. Her father recognizes her, and the affair ends there.

But Emperor Valerian resumed persecution of the Christians. Eugenie was again arrested and sentenced to death. Like many other saints, she will undergo without damage various trials such as being burned at the stake or being immersed with a large block of stone tied to her feet. In desperation, it is decided to cut off her head.