Abra of Poitiers/ˈæbrə/ (c. 343 – c. 360), Afra or Apra is a Christian
saint who would have lived in the
4th century.[1]
Her existence is historically uncertain, but she would have been the daughter of
Hilary of Poitiers.
Biography
Hilary of Poitiers was married; however, the existence of Abra is uncertain,[2] as it is attested by hagiographical accounts that date two centuries after the life of Hilary.[2] In particular, a letter that Hilary is said to have sent to her is considered a
medieval forgery.[2][3] In this letter, he expressed concern about her fate and engaged in a conversation with her about the health of his mother.[4]
In the surviving manuscripts containing
pseudonymous hymns of Hilary, she is named Abra, Afra, or Apra.[5]
She would have died shortly after his return in 360, supposedly at the age of seventeen or eighteen.[6] According to medieval legendary accounts, her father would have witnessed her death.[7]
Her existence itself is controversial; some scholars argue that she may not be the daughter of Hilary of Poitiers or that she may never have existed.[8]