Apollinaria was born into a privileged family. Her father served as the prefect for the young Emperor Theodosius II, the ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire. However, Apollinaria felt no desire for marriage. She had dedicated her heart to Christ. After fervent and persistent prayers, and with the blessing of her devout parents, she embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, tracing the footsteps of Jesus. Following this transformative journey, she sought a life of solitude in the Egyptian desert.
Disguising herself as a male monk and adopting the name Dorotheus, she entered the Monastery of Saint Macarius. There, consumed by love for her Creator, she distinguished herself through her exceptional ascetic life.
Apollinaria had a younger sister who suffered from demonic possession. Someone advised their father to send his afflicted daughter to the desert fathers, seeking their prayers for her healing. Through Divine Providence, it was the elder sister, Apollinaria, whose powerful prayers brought about her younger sister’s complete restoration.
The secret of Apollinaria’s true identity as a woman was only revealed after her repose. She completed her earthly journey in the year 470.
