Empress Aelia Flaccilla of Constantinople/Istanbul (AD 356-386)

Aelia Flaccilla was the first wife of emperor Theodosius I. She ruled as empress for 11 years, from 375 to 386. She supported Nicene orthodox Christianity and opposed Arianism. She demonstrated her deep Christian faith through significant charity work and caring for the disabled. Gregory of Nyssa praised her for her Christian virtue and as a pillar of the church. Her influence was extended through her two sons: emperor Arcadius of the East, and emperor Honorius of the West. She died in 386.