The blessed Eudocia built many churches to Christ, besides so many monasteries, poor-houses, alms-houses for the aged, that it is not in my power to count them. One of the churches built by her is opposite great Euthymius’ monastery, at a distance of about 20 stadia, and is dedicated to Saint Peter. The Augusta ordered a great reservoir to be built at that spot; in the days of the holy Pentecost she came to inspect the building of the reservoir, and raising her gaze, she saw the Laura of great Euthymius spread out (in front of her), with its monastic cells scattered over the desert. She was deeply moved and thought of that passage in the Scripture that says: ‘How fair are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel!’ <Num. 24:5>. So (the Augusta) sent the hegumen of Saint Stephen, Gabriel, to great Euthymius, begging permission for her to come and have the benefit of his prayers and his teaching. But great Euthymius sent her this message: “Do not expect to ever see me again in the flesh. Besides, my child, why do you turn your mind to many matters? I believe that before winter you will migrate to God. So be disposed to collect yourself and to prepare for your departure this coming summer, and while you are alive, do not remember me again in writing or by word of mouth, I mean about giving or taking; but when you go to the Master of all, in His presence make mention of me, so that he will take me too to his bosom in peace, when ever he wishes and in any way His love will choose”.
Hearing this message, the blessed (Eudocia) was much grieved, especially by what he had said about not remembering him in writing or by word of mouth, because she had intended to leave him a sufficient income in her will.
(transl. Leah Di Segni)