The Orthodox faith has been a faithful companion of Slavic wives for many centuries. But their meekness, devotion and wisdom towards their husbands, children and people were dictated not only by their personal qualities, but, above all, by their deep faith in our Creator. It was thanks to faith that the well-being of the inhabitants was ensured, churches and monasteries were built, and lands were conquered. For their services to people and our Lord, many of the outstanding women were canonized.
Their path was not filled with roses. But they did not ask for much, they responded to any call for help, worked hard, supported all those suffering and prayed. Deep faith in Our Lord was their main companion. Defending their faith, they suffered, were tortured, starved and doomed to many other sufferings. But prayer, as well as the voice of God, supported them in the most difficult moments and gave them strength.
Our Creator generously rewarded them; they could see the future, feel the pain of others and heal. Many of them had a strong character and could lead entire nations. Their voice was heard far away, because in the name of the Lord they did good deeds. That is why people still remember them, despite the fact that many centuries have passed since the date of death of some.
Euphrosyne of Polotsk
In the world, Euphrosyne of Polotsk was called Predslava. She was the daughter of the Vitebsk prince Svyatoslav Vseslavich. From an early age, Predslava showed interest in spiritual life; as soon as the girl turned 12 years old, she abandoned dynastic marriage and on February 15, 1116, took secret monastic vows in the Polotsk Monastery. A few years later, Euphrosyne began rewriting books, which was a very labor-intensive and lengthy process. Usually it was men who received such obedience, but Euphrosyne was firm in her faith. The Venerable Euphrosyne is credited with acquiring the icon of the Mother of God of Ephesus from the Polotsk St. Sophia Cathedral. Euphrosyne also ordered a reliquary cross from the master Lazar Bogshe, which began to be called after her. Euphrosyne of Polotsk died during a pilgrimage in Jerusalem, May 23, 1167. They began to venerate her in Polotsk soon after her death, but Euphrosyne was canonized only in 1893. Euphrosyne of Polotsk was a prominent church figure of her time. She initiated the construction of the Spassky Women's Monastery, took part in the political life of the principality and became a kind of banner of the Polovtsian struggle for their independence. It is interesting that in the life of St. Euphrosyne there is no story about posthumous miracles.
Great Euphrosyne
At the dawn of Christianity in the 12th century in Polotsk, a girl Predslava was born into the family of Prince Vseslav Bryachislavich, in whose veins flowed the blood of the great Rogneda, one of the wives of Vladimir the Great. Parents saw their beautiful daughter as the fulfillment of their hopes, dreaming of becoming related to a famous family by marrying their daughter to a prince or king of a small power.
Predslava could even become a queen or grand duchess, but from childhood the girl knew the power of the Holy Spirit, constantly remained in prayer, and on the eve of her wedding at the age of 12, she secretly took monastic vows as a nun. At that time, the power of the Church was above secular laws; tonsure did not have retroactive effect.
Euphrosyne's steely faith, the name given to Predslava at baptism, led not only her younger sister, but also her nieces to monasticism. The devout Euphrosyne had the gift of seeing the spark of God in people, so she chose as her companions those whom God pointed to.
Until the age of 12, the princess was taught to read and write and knew languages, so she decided to rewrite Christian books, which has long been a purely male affair. Previously, the census of books required certain skills and strength; while working, scribes practically knelt all the time. Bishop Ilia heeded the girl’s requests, sending her to St. Sophia Cathedral, founded by Predslava’s grandfather Vseslav.
At the age of 20, Euphrosyne was visited by an Angel, who conveyed God’s command to build a new monastery. With a staff and bread, accompanied by a nanny and 4 sisters, Euphrosyne went to the place indicated by the Almighty and founded the Spaso-Ephrosyne Monastery there.
For information! Remaining a representative of the ruling dynasty, the nun influenced the course of political power. The Creator did not entrust every man with the founding of a monastery, a monastery and two churches.
By the will of the nun, the Cross of Euphrosyne, a great shrine, was acquired, which 700 years later Ivan the Terrible returned to Polotsk.
In 1840, the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk was transported by Archbishop Vasily to Moscow, then to St. Petersburg, and Tsar Nicholas I himself applied it to it.
Feeling that her strength was leaving her, the abbess of the monastery, Euphrosyne, at the age of 70, went to Jerusalem, where she departed to Heaven. Only at the end of the 16th century were the nun’s incorruptible relics transferred to the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, and then in 1910 they were taken to Polotsk.
The Second World War and the peak of atheism in the Union “contributed” to the loss of the Cross of Euphrosyne, and the holy relics are now kept in the Holy Transfiguration Church in Polotsk. Miracles of healings and answers to prayers directed to the holy nun, the founder of monasteries, are described by monks and stored in the church in several volumes.
More about women glorified as saints:
Duchess Olga
Princess Olga is the only Russian woman who has been canonized as an Equal-to-the-Apostles saint. Olga was the first in Rus' to convert to Christianity, even before Baptism. Very little is known about Olga’s youth; the most accurate information about her appears in the chronicles of 945, when her husband Igor died. At the same time, Nestor describes in the chronicles Olga’s revenge on the Drevlyans, who were guilty of the death of the prince. Since 947, Olga begins to rule herself. It establishes a system of graveyards, opens several land routes, and sets the size of the polyudye. It was Olga who laid the foundation for stone construction in Rus'. In 955, Olga was baptized in Constantinople under the name Helen. The princess tried to introduce her son Svyatoslav to Christianity, but he remained a pagan until the end of his life. Saint Olga was recognized already during the reign of Yaropolk, her grandson, and in 1547 Princess Olga was canonized as an Equal-to-the-Apostles saint.
Where to buy icons of holy women?
Of course, not all famous saints are listed here. There are a lot of them in Orthodoxy.
The 3Dekor company makes wooden icons with images of a wide variety of holy wives and husbands. Carved products surprise with their execution, high precision of execution, highest similarity and craftsmanship. They are durable and reliable. They will be an excellent gift for an Orthodox woman. Available in both small and large sizes.
You can view the range in our online store. Customization is also available.
Matrona of Moscow
Matrona of Moscow is one of the most popular Russian saints. She was canonized relatively recently - in 1999. Matrona was born blind. The parents wanted to leave the child in the orphanage, but the girl’s mother had a prophetic dream about a blind dove, and they left Matrona. Already at the age of 8, the girl was a deeply religious person, she had the gift of predicting the future and healing the sick. By the age of 18, Matrona of Moscow lost her legs. Matrona lived most of her life with her fellow villager Evdokia Mikhailovna Zhdanova and her daughter Zinaida, and hosted the suffering and sick. Matrona of Moscow died in 1952. In 1999, Matrona was canonized as a locally revered saint, but people from all over Russia come to venerate her.
Ksenia Petersburgskaya
Ksenia Petersburgskaya chose the path of foolishness at the age of 26. Many legends and memories of the prophetic gift of the saint have been preserved. Ksenia was born in the first half of the 18th century. Having reached adulthood, Ksenia married the court singer Andrei Fedorovich Petrov. The young couple lived in St. Petersburg. Andrei Fedorovich did not die when Ksenia was 26 years old. The young widow took the path of foolishness, began to respond only to her husband’s name, distributed all their property to the poor, and gave the house to one of her friends, on the condition that she would let the poor spend the night. The exact date of death of Ksenia of Petersburg is unknown. In 1988, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized her as a holy fool.
Ksenia Petersburgskaya
Photo: Sofrino.ru
Little is known about the first years of Ksenia’s life, but this is not so important, because she is remembered for her good deeds and mercy. At the age of 26, Ksenia remained a widow. Her husband, a singer in the court choir, died suddenly, without having time to accept Christian repentance. And his wife took upon herself this mission, becoming a holy fool. She gave away all her property, changed into her husband’s clothes and began to answer only to his name - Andrei Fedorovich.
At first, her vagrancy, appearance and strange behavior caused only ridicule, which Ksenia endured with meekness and humility. But soon the townspeople's opinion changed, people realized that she was not an ordinary tramp. She did not take alms from everyone, and she did not keep the money she received for herself, but immediately gave it to those in need.
We recommend reading: Prayers of Xenia of St. Petersburg
During the day she wandered around St. Petersburg, and at night she went out into the field and prayed for all the townspeople, bowing to all directions of the world. Gradually, St. Petersburg residents began to notice that her words had a hidden meaning, and her touch not only brought good luck to merchants, but also healed ordinary people. Wherever she appeared, the townspeople vying with each other offered her their goods and took her to bless the children.
The repentance of Ksenia of Petersburg lasted 45 years, and during this period she did many good deeds; for her insight, mercy and dedication, the residents of St. Petersburg revered her during her lifetime. After Ksenia’s death, she was buried near the church that she helped build. But her grave did not remain forgotten; for more than a century people have been coming to the chapel, which was erected on her remains, to pray and solve pressing problems, and she hears everyone.
Fevronia
The life of the saint became widely known after the publication of “The Tale of Peter and Fevronia,” which resembled more of a fairy tale than a historical document. Fevronia was the daughter of a beekeeper. One day, Prince Peter turned to her for help, who promised to make her his bride if she healed him of his wounds. The girl cured Peter, but he did not keep his promise, and the disease returned. Then Peter took Fevronia as his wife. The boyars did not accept the prince's common wife. Peter took his wife and left the city, where unrest almost immediately broke out, and the prince was asked to return. Peter and Fevronia ruled for many years, and in their old age they took monastic vows in different monasteries. They prayed to die on the same day and bequeathed to be buried together. When Peter and Fevronia’s request was not fulfilled, they miraculously ended up in the same coffin. The couple were buried in 1228, and in 1547 they were canonized. Peter and Fevronia are considered the patrons of the family.
6. Anna Kashinskaya Anna (in her monastic vows - Sofia) was born in the 13th century in the family of the Rostov prince Dmitry Borisovich. In 1299, she married Prince Mikhail Yaroslavich of Tver, and 20 years later he was killed in the Horde. Years later, her sons and grandson were executed in the Horde. The year of Anna's tonsure is unknown, but in 1358 she is mentioned as the 80-year-old abbess of the Tver Convent in the name of St. Afanasia. Just before her death, Anna accepted the schema. The veneration of Anna Kashinskaya began in 1611, when her remains were discovered in the Kashin church in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1650, she was canonized, but already in 1677, as part of the fight against double-fingered baptism, decanonization was carried out, and the life of St. Anne was anathematized. Only in 1909 did Emperor Nicholas II give permission for re-canonization.
Top 10 Orthodox women saints
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Photo: Martin Pettitt/flickr.com
This holiday deserves it! On the one hand, it creates a cash flow for flower and cosmetic stores, where joyful excitement begins to reign a few days before, and on the other hand, it causes mass irritation in the information space. In my opinion, almost all categories do not like him: men, feminists, other believers, and many women who see hypocrisy in him - when it is easier for family members to declare love and respect for their wife and mother once a year than to show it in reality all year round.
Some of the dislike is deserved. And to the original meaning - communism is still not the most attractive ideology in the world - and especially to what this day has become now. It was based on the results of last March 8 that your humble servant identified herself as a feminist, although previously she could have imagined this only in a nightmare. But everything was overpowered by streams of bad taste, a downright witch’s Sabbath: “Remain as feminine, capricious, stupid and mysterious, that’s why we love you.”
No really. I don’t know a single man who would love me for this: my husband, colleagues and acquaintances value something completely different in me. It is clear that everyone sometimes does stupid things, gets into a bottle out of the blue or behaves illogically, but it is impossible to love this in an adult, full-fledged person. These are attributes that adorn either a deity or a cute, playful kitten.
And this is the reason why this vanilla sexism offends my religious feelings. A woman is not a deity. A woman is not a kitten.
Christianity values the same things in a woman as it does in a man. Yes, with some variations and nuances, but the principle is the same. Proof of this is the women whom the Church reveres as saints.
These are the ones I want to remind myself and the public about in honor of Clara Zetkin’s birthday (I have no idea when her actual birthday is, but the origin of the meme is clear), and also the Holiday of Hothouse Tulips.
So, my personal top 10 women, without whom, it seems to me, Orthodoxy as we know it is unimaginable.
1. Holy Mother of God
2. Equal to the Apostles Mary Magdalene 3. Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria 4. Equal to the Apostles Empress Helena 5. Reverend Mary of Egypt 6. Equal to the Apostles Princess Olga 7. Reverend Euphrosyne (Evdokia) of Moscow 8. Righteous Juliania of Lazarevskaya 9. Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg 10. Venerable Martyr Grand Duchess Elizaveta Feodorovna
They were all different: rulers, preachers, philanthropists, martyrs, married women, widows, virgins, repentant harlots, princesses and peasant women, learned and illiterate. And not one of them, as we see, demonstrated the qualities that are valued - or supposedly valued - by the most narrow-minded of modern men.
However, all of the above is not a reason to forget about congratulations to mothers, sisters, wives and female colleagues. Showing love is never at the wrong time.
Juliania Lazarevskaya
The real name of Juliania Lazarevskaya is Ulyana Ustinovna Osoryina. She was born in 1530 into a family of nobles, the Nedyurevs. Since childhood, the girl was very pious and diligent. At the age of 16, she married Yuri Osorin, and with him she gave birth to 13 children. After the death of two sons in the royal service, Ulyana began to beg her husband to let her go to the monastery. He agreed on the condition that before that she would raise the remaining children. When famine broke out during the reign of Boris Godunov, Juliania sold all her property to feed the poor. Juliania died in 1604 and was buried in Murom. In 1614, when a grave was being dug nearby, the relics of Juliana, which exuded myrrh, were discovered. Several people were then healed. In the same 1614, Juliania Lazarevskaya was canonized as a righteous woman.
Holy Princess Elizaveta Feodorovna
Elizaveta Feodorovna was the elder sister of Alexandra Feodorovna, the last Russian empress. In 1884, Elizaveta Fedorovna married Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, brother of Emperor Alexander III. Throughout her life, Elizaveta Fedorovna was involved in charity work. She organized the Elizabethan Benevolent Society and provided medical assistance to soldiers during the war. In 1905, her husband died as a result of an assassination attempt. Having been widowed, Elizaveta Feodorovna founded the Martha and Mary Convent of Mercy, which was engaged in medical and charitable work. Since 1909, the princess devoted her entire life to work at the monastery. Elizaveta Feodorovna was killed and thrown into a mine in 1918 in the city of Alapaevsk along with other members of the Romanov family. There is evidence that Elizabeth died later than the others, since chants could be heard from the mine for some time. In 1992, Elizaveta Feodorovna was canonized and included in the Council of New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia.
Women in Christianity
Biblical heroines are revered from century to century, and all Christians know them.
Sarah became the ancestress of the great Jewish people, Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David, Esther saved her people from destruction. The Most Holy Virgin Mary, by the will of God, gave birth to the Mission; Mary Magdalene was with Jesus throughout His ministry and continued the work of the Teacher throughout her life.
Russian women also left in the history of Christianity the memory of the feat of faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Holy Russian women are examples of the Christian faith; with their prayers and obedience to God they went through great trials, for which they were canonized.
Varvara Skvorchikhinskaya
Blessed Barbara was born into the family of a priest. Having trained as a home teacher, the girl began teaching. She was a devout believer and often brought a priest to classes, but when atheism began to be preached in schools, Varvara stopped working and chose the path of a recluse for herself. She lived for more than 35 years in an old barn, constantly praying and fasting. All these years, Varvara did not attend church, but received priests and believers. Varvara died in 1966, and in 2001, Patriarch Alexy II gave his blessing to glorify the ascetic among the locally revered saints of the Ufa diocese.
Evdokia Dmitrievna
Evdokia Dmitrievna is also known as the Venerable Evdokia of Moscow; during her lifetime she became famous for her charitable activities. At the age of 15 she was married to the Moscow prince Dmitry Donskoy. She spent 22 years with him in a happy marriage, and after the death of her husband she ruled for some time, being the guardian of the succession to the throne among her sons. During her lifetime, Evdokia Dmitrievna initiated the construction of many churches and monasteries, including the Ascension Convent. Under the leadership of Evdokia Dmitrievna, the Moscow militia was assembled to protect the city from Tamerlane. In 1407, the princess retired to the Ascension Monastery, where she was tonsured with the name Euphrosyne. Euphrosyne lived in monasticism for only a few months and died in the same year. In 1988 she was canonized along with her husband. In 2007, a church award was established - the Order and Medal of St. Euphrosyne of Moscow.
Holy men
Holy Martyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'
Saint Hermogenes was a priest in the city of Kazan. His name is associated with the discovery of one of the most famous and revered icons of the Mother of God in Rus' - “Kazan”. Years later, he became the Kazan Metropolitan, and then the Patriarch of Moscow. His reign coincided with difficult times for Rus' - the invasion of the Poles. Saint Hermogen called to firmly adhere to the Orthodox faith, to be faithful to the Tsar and the Fatherland. For this, the Poles imprisoned the saint in a monastery. But he was not afraid of enemies and even in captivity called on the people to fight the invaders. Firm faith, courage and perseverance helped the saint endure difficult trials. “Why are you scaring me, I fear only one God,” he told his enemies. “Save, O Lord, Thy people,” Saint Hermogenes and his flock fervently prayed for the expulsion of the enemy from the Russian land.
Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles King Constantine
Tsar Constantine ruled the Byzantine Empire. At first he was a pagan, but one seemingly incredible event turned his life upside down. One day, before the decisive battle, when the enemy’s forces outnumbered Constantine’s army many times over, he saw a luminous cross in the sky with the inscription “With this you will win!” Constantine put the same cross on the military banners and won. Convinced of the power of the Holy Cross, he took Christians under his protection and declared the faith of Christ the state religion. Since then, temples and monasteries were built throughout the empire, and schools were created. The persecution of Christians stopped. At the end of his life, Constantine was baptized and was recognized as a saint for his mercy to Christians and for spreading the faith in the Byzantine Empire. One of the greatest merits of Constantine was the convening of the First Ecumenical Council in the city of Nicaea in 325.
Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir
Saint Vladimir was the grandson of Princess Olga, one of the first in Rus' to convert to Christianity. He professed paganism, but began to doubt the truth of his faith and sent messengers to all countries to learn more about the faith of different peoples. When the Russian ambassadors arrived in Constantinople, the splendor of the churches, the solemnity and beauty of the services touched them to the depths of their souls. When they returned, they told Prince Vladimir about what they saw. In 988, the prince himself was baptized (with the name Vasily) and baptized Rus'. From that time on, temples and monasteries began to be built, schools were opened where they taught the law of God. Rus' became an Orthodox country. Since then, Russian people have professed the Orthodox faith, which is based on love for God and neighbor. She teaches kindness and mercy. Conversion of Russian people to the Orthodox faith by Prince Vladimir.
Holy Venerable Sergius of Radonezh
St. Sergius served God from an early age. He was born into a pious boyar family. Sergius (before Bartholomew became a monk) had difficulty reading, but the miraculous visit of an Angel helped him. After the death of his parents, Sergius went into the forest and lived there in work and prayer for the sake of the Lord. Soon students began to come to him. This is how the world-famous Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra was founded. The elder was not only a spiritual teacher, but also served as an example in everyday work. He himself chopped wood, carried water, and baked bread. For such zeal and humility, the saint was awarded the gift of miracles by the Lord. He could heal and even resurrect people. The Mother of God herself visited him several times. The memory of him and faith in his intercession will remain forever. The Lord, through the prayers of St. Sergius, resurrects the boy.
Holy Venerable Seraphim, Sarov Wonderworker
The Monk Seraphim was born on July 19, 1759 into a pious family. At the age of 17, he decided to enter a monastery. His mother blessed him for this feat, and he went to the Sarov Hermitage. The saint took monastic vows with the name Seraphim, which means “fiery,” and went into seclusion. He lived in a cell he built in the forest and prayed to the Lord. Seeing his holiness, the forest animals came to Seraphim and served him. After a 15-year retreat, the elder returned to the monastery. Many people came to him for advice and consolation. Through his prayers, signs and wonders were performed. The warriors who received the elder's blessing remained unharmed on the battlefield. To this day, St. Seraphim is revered by the people, and he is affectionately called “Father Seraphim.” The meekness and holiness of Father Seraphim made even the forest animals kind.
Holy Venerable Elijah of Muromets, Pechersk, in the Near Caves
The Monk Elijah comes from the city of Murom. As a child, he was very sick and could not walk, but was miraculously healed and gained unprecedented strength. Scientists believe that the famous epic hero, the hero, and the holy Venerable Elijah are one and the same person. Possessing incredible strength, he fought against enemies, bravely and fearlessly defending Russian lands. In one of the battles he was seriously wounded and, probably sensing his imminent death, he entered a monastery and became a monk. A monument was erected to Saint Elijah of Murom in his homeland, in the city of Murom. The incorrupt relics of the saint rest in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Having decided to devote his life to the Lord, Saint Elijah retired to a monastery and spent his days in solitude and prayer.
Saint Reverend Andrei Rublev
Saint Andrew was born around 1360. He was distinguished by his education and wisdom. He studied icon painting in Byzantium and Bulgaria. But his gift was revealed only in Rus'. Love for God and the desire to serve Him became the meaning of his life, and he took monastic vows at the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery. For more than 20 years he led the life of an ascetic icon painter. The famous miraculous image of the Most Holy Trinity belongs to the brush of St. Andrei Rublev - the greatest shrine and an unsurpassed masterpiece of icon painting. Saint Andrew painted the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin, the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir and many other churches and monasteries in Rus'. And now, many centuries later, we are amazed at the beauty and perfection of the icons painted by the great Andrei Rublev. Rev. Andrei Rublev paints an icon of the Most Holy Trinity.
Holy Righteous John of Kronstadt
Saint John came from a simple family. He graduated with honors from theological school and then from seminary. John dreamed of going to Alaska and preaching among the pagans. However, fate decreed otherwise, and he became a priest in St. Andrew's Cathedral in the city of Kronstadt. Among the people of this city, who needed participation and confirmation in the faith, he began the feat of his selfless pastoral service. Every day he visited their squalid homes, talked, consoled, looked after the sick and helped them financially. He especially cared about the children and tried to do everything so that they would not need anything. With his mercy he expressed his love for the Motherland. Saint John said this: “Learn to believe in God and learn from your holy ancestors faith, wisdom and courage.” Saint John of Kronstadt brings orphans to an orphanage.
Holy righteous warrior Fyodor Sanaksarsky Ushakov
The holy warrior Theodore was born in 1745 into a pious family. Since childhood, he was distinguished by his diligence and good disposition. At the same time, he was a brave, inquisitive child and studied diligently. He then enlisted in the navy, which brought Russia many victories. “Thanks to God,” as the righteous man liked to say, not only did he not suffer a single defeat in naval battles, but he did not lose a single ship and not a single one of his servants was taken prisoner. The strength of his Christian spirit was manifested not only by glorious victories in battles for the Fatherland, but also by great charity. The righteous warrior ended his years in a village near the Sanaksar monastery, to which he constantly provided charitable assistance, and was buried there. Thanks to God, Saint Theodore Ushakov won a number of great victories over the enemy.
Holy Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow
Saint Daniel of Moscow was the son of Prince Alexander Nevsky. He received control of Moscow, in which he erected a temple and a monastery, named after his patron saint Daniel the Stylite. Danilov Monastery is still active today. Moscow at that time was a small city. Prince Daniil did not seek to expand it, because this would have required wars. He always followed the path of mercy and peace. After the death of his uncle, Prince Pereyaslavsky, Daniil inherited his principality. And soon Moscow became a large and noble city. This was the beginning of the unification of the Russian land into a single powerful state. For his love for God and neighbor, Prince Daniel was canonized. Saint Daniel, an example of mercy and peacefulness, is the patron saint of Moscow.
Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Nevsky ruled Veliky Novgorod, one of the principalities of Rus', during a difficult time for the country. Hordes of the Horde were approaching from the east, and crusading knights from the west. Being a brave warrior, he gave a decisive rebuff to his enemies. The prince won the battle with the Swedes on the Neva River, for which he is called Nevsky. Later he defeated the knights on Lake Peipsi. This battle is known as the Battle of the Ice. The western borders of the Fatherland were protected, but the Tatar-Mongols threatened to invade from the east. It was necessary to avoid a battle. And here Alexander showed himself to be a wise politician. He came to the Horde and negotiated. At the end of his life, the prince accepted monasticism and even the highest monastic tonsure - schema. Alexander Nevsky: “Whoever comes at us with a sword will die by the sword.” Battle of Lake Peipus (Battle of the Ice).
Holy Blessed Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy
Saint Dmitry Donskoy was born in 1350. Christian piety was combined in him with the wisdom of a ruler. He devoted his life to uniting the Russian lands and saving them from the Tatar-Mongol yoke. Before the decisive battle with the Horde, the prince asked for the blessing of St. Sergius of Radonezh. The elder inspired the prince and sent two monastic warriors with him: Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyabya. They died on the battlefield and were canonized. For the victory in the Battle of Kulikovo, which took place on September 21, 1380, Prince Dmitry was named Donskoy. At the site of the battle, he built a monastery in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in memory of all the soldiers who died in the battle. Military feat of Dmitry Donskoy. The victory of the Russian army in the Battle of Kulikovo marked the beginning of the liberation of our Fatherland from the Tatar-Mongol yoke.
Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of the World of Lycia, wonderworker
Since childhood, Saint Nicholas loved to pray in church and read books. When he grew up, he became the bishop of the city of Myra in the Lycian region of the Roman Empire. He was very kind, cared about people, comforting them in troubles, and helped complete strangers. Saint Nicholas lived to a ripe old age, and for his righteous life the Lord rewarded him with the gift of working miracles. One day, a ship sailing from Egypt to Lycia was caught in a severe storm. People were doomed to death. One hope is to ask St. Nicholas for help. The dying began to pray fervently - and the ship returned safely to the harbor. After the death of the saint, many miracles occurred from his relics, which are located in the temple of the Italian city of Bari. The miraculous intercession of St. Nicholas and the salvation of people on a ship caught in a storm.
Saint Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus', wonderworker
Saint Alexy decided to devote himself to God from childhood and at the age of 15 he entered a monastery. He studied a lot, was pious and was an example to many people. Therefore, he was entrusted with the education of the young Prince Dimitri (the future Donskoy). In 1356, Alexy was elected Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus'. The saint worked hard to establish new monasteries. He was distinguished by his concern for his flock, and his love for his neighbors was so great that with his gift of miracles he healed everyone who asked. Once he even healed the wife of the Horde khan, the blind Taidula. Saint Alexy lived to a ripe old age, ruling the Russian Church for 24 years. His holy relics rest in the Patriarchal Epiphany Cathedral. Through the prayer of Saint Alexy, the khan's wife, sprinkled with holy water, was healed.
Equal to the Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Slovenian teachers
Brothers Kirill and Methodius were born in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. They received a good education and could occupy a high position at the court of the Byzantine emperor. However, their hearts yearned for God. The brothers became monks and went to preach the word of God to the Slavic lands. They worked tirelessly to spread the faith of Christ: they created the Slavic alphabet, opened schools to teach people to read and write, translated the Bible, liturgical books and the writings of the holy fathers into the Slavic language. In memory of the great feat of Cyril and Methodius, the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture is solemnly celebrated on May 24. All Slavic peoples love these saints and honor their memory. The holy brothers Cyril and Methodius preach the word of God in the Slavic lands and tell people about the faith of Christ.
Euphrosyne Kolyupanovskaya
Princess Evdokia Grigorievna Vyazemskaya was Catherine II's maid of honor, but her desire to devote herself to serving God was so great that she faked her own death and secretly left the court. She wandered for more than 10 years, until in 1806 she met Metropolitan Plato, who gave her his blessing to perform the feat of foolishness. From that moment on, the former princess settled in the Serpukhov Vladychny Vvedensky Convent under the name “fool Euphrosyne.” It is known that Euphrosyne secretly wore chains and even went barefoot in winter. When the abbess changed in the monastery, Euphrosyne began to be oppressed, which ultimately forced the woman to leave the walls of the monastery. The former princess spent the last 10 years of her life in the village of Kolyupanovo in the house of the landowner Natalya Alekseevna Protopopova. Even during her lifetime, Efvrosinia Kolyupanovskaya was credited with the gift of healing and foresight. Blessed Euphrosyne reposed in 1855, but the veneration that began during her lifetime continued after her death. In 1988, Euphrosyne Kolyupanovskaya was canonized as one of the Tula saints.
Text of the book “Under the Holy Veil. The most revered female saints"
Under holy cover. The most revered female saints
Holy ascetics of the spirit
It has long been recognized that a woman’s heart is filled with inexhaustible love and mercy, an eternal desire to comprehend everything that is sacred and treasured in our world.
Perhaps this is why women trust intuition and feeling rather than logic and reason when making important decisions. So we remember that the first to learn about the miracle of the Resurrection of Christ were the myrrh-bearing women, who were told: “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10) In this commandment, wives were given a special purpose: to preach the gospel of the risen Lord. A similar path, paved by the saints of the apostolic times, was chosen by many ascetics of faith and spirit. Their feat of love laid the foundation for serving God and the holy faith. Since ancient times, women have taken care of raising children, caring for orphans, the sick, the suffering and the poor. Their piety, concern for their neighbors, and acts of mercy could not but arouse admiration even among the pagans. The ascetic women themselves sacredly kept in their souls the words of the apostle: “...let your adornment be not the external braiding of your hair, not gold jewelry or elegance in clothing, but the hidden person of the heart in the imperishable beauty of a meek and silent spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”
And then it is said that the first purpose of a woman is to be a source of love. Moreover, such service is not limited to family, marriage and motherhood, but extends to the whole world. He has a blissful desire to feed, clothe, warm, heal, and bestow his attention on everyone.
In addition, history testifies that at all times extraordinary courage of faith was required from a believing woman. As it is said: “Who will separate us from the love of God: tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?” Let us also remember the historical fact that the first next to the Savior was the Mother of God Mary - an example of a woman who does not know how to love and serve except by looking at Jesus Christ. Next to the Savior is the prophetess Anna - an example of a faithful wife. In the very temple where she served God with prayer and fasting day and night, she was the first to glorify Christ and, despite her advanced years, found the courage to speak about him to everyone who was awaiting deliverance in Jerusalem.
Near the Savior is Mary of Bethany, an example of a deeply attached woman, she sits at the feet of the Savior and is saturated with the word of life, and the next day she washes these same feet with precious myrrh and wipes them with her own hair, thereby wanting to express her respect and love for the Savior. Nearby is her sister Martha - an example of a woman-housewife; she also takes care of the Savior, serves Him during visits, calls on Him on the day of sorrow, and blesses Him on the day of deliverance.
Next to the Savior is Mary Magdalene, who surpassed many close disciples in courage and love for Christ. Following Christ, she appeared at Golgotha; Before the disciples, she came to the Tomb, and for this she was the first to be honored with seeing the risen Lord and bringing joyful news to those who were later to spread this news throughout the world.
In the host of saints of the Church of Christ there are saints, equal to the apostles, blessed, righteous, martyrs - without preference for one or the other or exaltation of one over the other. The courage of Christian martyrs and ascetics, strengthened by Christ, is truly unparalleled. Let us remember the Holy Great Martyr Barbara: they beat her with ox sinews, tortured her body with iron hooks and scorched her with burning candles, in the end she was beaten on the head with a heavy hammer, and then her own father executed her. A piece of her relics was one of the first shrines that newly baptized Rus' worshiped.
Another thing is noteworthy: many holy women were widely educated, successfully engaged in government affairs, and had high authority in society. People turned to them in the most difficult life circumstances for wise advice, for prayerful and effective help. Some of them immediately chose the monastic path, others were previously married and lived a prosperous life. But they all made a completely conscious choice in their lives: complete dedication to Christ, unceasing prayer, spiritual ascent to indescribable light and perfect joy. It is no coincidence that many of them received the name Euphrosyne - “joyful wisdom” in monasticism. This name expresses the very essence of Orthodox asceticism.
The path of female holiness is undoubtedly illuminated by the radiance of the glory of the Most Pure Mother of the Lord. The reverent veneration of the Mother of God, the abundance of churches and monasteries dedicated to her, and the huge number of miraculous icons have had a lasting influence on Orthodox spirituality. This ideal of female holiness has forever entered the people's memory.
The life of the righteous women was subsequently captured in hagiographical tales and chronicles, historical evidence precious to us. Today is the time to remember those women whose names are surrounded by an aura of holiness, whose beautiful faces look at us from many icons. These are the women to whom we turn in our sorrows and needs. We place candles at their images with reverence. An aura of holiness surrounds mothers, wives, housewives devoted to their husbands and their work, builders of homes, churches and monasteries, ascetics, martyrs in the name of faith, for the glory of their people. Starting from the 17th century, the blessed and holy fools were added to them.
The current edition of “The Most Revered Women Saints” presents a brief summary of the biographies and spiritual deeds of the most famous holy women who became deeply revered through faith in the name of Christ, who through Him knew love and goodness for the world, and were preserved in people’s memory for all future centuries.
Early Christian era
Holy Myrrh-Bearer Mary Magdalene
Memorial Day August 4
Life and ministry
Mary Magdalene was one of the myrrh-bearing women - disciples of Christ, who followed him and the apostles during the Lord's earthly life. All four Gospels say that she, among others, was present at the crucifixion of Christ, sat at his Tomb, was the first to discover that the Tomb was empty, and the risen Savior was the first to appear to her. The role of Mary Magdalene in the formation and development of early Christianity is undoubted and is confirmed by many written sources of that time.
Saint Mary Magdalene, famous for her selfless love for Jesus Christ, was from the wealthy city of Magdala on the shores of Lake Gennesaret, in northern Israel. Almost nothing is known about the family in which Maria was raised, as well as about her childhood, adolescence and youth. But there is evidence that in the past, before her fateful meeting with Jesus Christ, Mary led a sinful life.
Let us recall at least the episode from the Bible where the Son of God offers to throw a stone at people from the crowd that took up arms against Mary Magdalene, if any of them are sinless. Jesus cleansed the woman from unclean spirits that provoked her to commit debauchery: the demons sitting in Mary turned out to be exactly seven, according to church tradition. Thus, Jesus Christ showed the great miracle of healing Mary Magdalene, enlightening her mind, attracting her to faith in Christ the Savior and eternal salvation.
From that time on, the soul of Mary Magdalene was inflamed with the most grateful and devoted love for her Savior Christ. She was the first to set others an example of grateful service to the cause of the God-man and was superior to others in her zeal in this holy cause. And the unselfish, zealous service to Christ at a time when “He had no place to lay his head” and saw coldness, surprise or hostility from most people, was especially comforting among the constant labors and blatant insults.
The extraordinary fortitude and extraordinary courage with which Saint Mary Magdalene treated her savior are amazing. Despite obstacles and all sorts of dangers, in the difficult days and hours of Christ’s cruel suffering, Mary Magdalene sometimes behaved even more courageously and devotedly than the apostles themselves. When many were overcome by fear from the enemies of the Lord, “fled” and hid, Mary Magdalene conquered indecision with love and, with the steadfastness of her participation in the Sufferer, tried to soften the thorny path that He walked for the salvation of the world.
The cruel suffering of the Savior crucified on the Cross was aggravated by the defiantly insolent mockery of the Jewish high priests, scribes and elders. They, not content with carrying out their cruel vengeance, being near the Cross of the crucified Christ, mockingly expressed shameless and daring reproaches to the innocent sufferer. And when the stupidity of the crowd with the base malice of the Jewish elders surrounded Christ, His gaze noticed with consolation the tears of pious women, among whom Mary Magdalene was “one of the first.” In these compassionate tears, a ray of light seemed to flash for the Son of Man among the dark kingdom of sin.
And after the death of her healer, Mary Magdalene did not leave Christ: she accompanied the transfer of His Body by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus from the Cross to the Tomb, was at the burial, and watched where they laid Him. And when, in order to honor, according to the law of God, the already approaching great holiday of Easter, she left the buried Body, the grateful love of Mary Magdalene in deep sorrow revealed to her a source of consolation. Love inspired her with the desire to show the possible final honor to her Savior, humiliated by the Jews.
She buys myrrh and aromas in order to anoint the body of the buried Christ, according to Jewish custom, to bestow possible honor. This enterprise, which also gave Mary Magdalene the title of myrrh-bearer, belonged to her, since the two evangelists again place her first among some other wives who followed her in it. The third evangelist puts only one of it, glorifying it in this noble cause.
Further, in the still dark night of the first day of the week, after the mournful Saturday, Mary Magdalene with some pious wives, despising danger, fearlessly goes to the Tomb of the Savior, carrying aromas and ointment prepared for anointing the Body of Christ, in order to show him the last tribute of love and veneration. But on the way from Jerusalem to the Cave of the Holy Sepulcher, Mary Magdalene remembered that the entrance to that cave was closed by Joseph and Nicodemus with a large, heavy stone, which no one could roll away. Now it was completely pushed back.
Here it must be said that among the Jews of that time, the stone that blocked access to the tomb of the deceased was considered inviolable, as if consecrated. And a stone moved from the entrance to the cave of the Holy Sepulcher testified that something special had happened to the body of the person buried there. What exactly? The simpler and most important idea was that the Body of Jesus was taken by someone from this cave and could have been placed in another place.
Desperate Mary in grief went to John and Peter to tell them that the body of the Messiah had disappeared from the burial place. Then the apostles, together with Magdalene, again went to the rocky mountain and saw that the cave was empty. The disciples of Christ left the grotto in grief, while Mary remained next to the tomb, crying and trying to understand the reason for the disappearance of the Body of Jesus Christ.
Mary Magdalene raised her tear-stained eyes and saw two angels sitting in front of her. When they asked about the reason for the suffering of the unfortunate maiden, she replied that she was tormented by the unknown. Then the woman saw Jesus Christ, whom she initially mistook for a gardener, and asked to indicate where the Teacher’s grave was located. But when the one who came said her name, she recognized the Son of God and threw herself at His feet. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus answered Mary:
- Go to My brothers and tell them: I ascend to My Father and your Father and to My God and your God...
Having said this, Christ became invisible. And the joyful, happy Mary Magdalene went and told the apostles of Christ about what had happened to her, delightfully comforting their grief with wondrous words:
- Christ is risen!
That is why, as the first evangelist of the accomplished Resurrection of Christ, sent from the Lord Himself, Mary Magdalene is recognized by the Christian Church as “equal to the apostles.” Here is the brightest feature of the entire amazing service of Mary Magdalene to the Church of Christ.
On the morning of the Resurrection of Christ, Mary Magdalene was honored to see the Risen Lord, the first of all His disciples and disciples, and the first, at the direct command of the Lord, was made a messenger, a preacher for them of His Resurrection. The apostles preached the Resurrection of Christ to the whole world, and Mary Magdalene preached the Resurrection of Christ to the apostles themselves - she herself was an apostle for the apostles! The Holy Fathers of the Church see in this circumstance the special mystery and wisdom of God's providence.
Sanctified by the contemplation of the victorious Christ triumphing over death, Mary Magdalene became a true witness of the Resurrection of Christ. But the apostles and everyone who was with them in the house of John the Theologian did not believe her gracious message. They “were sad and cried, but when they heard that Christ was alive and that she had seen Him, they did not believe.” Why?..
Mary Magdalene enjoyed the complete undoubted trust of the apostles. In addition, among other myrrh-bearers (who also informed the disciples of Christ about the rise of their Teacher from the dead) were the mother of the Apostle John the Theologian, and the mother of the Apostle James, and Martha, and Mary with other pious wives. But the apostles still “did not believe them, considering their story to be a dream” - so great was the despondency of the small society of Christ’s disciples at that time.
After the Jewish high priests crucified Jesus, and the apostles fled and hid, the latter suddenly lost everything - all their personal and national hopes. Their faith in Jesus the Messiah, in his power and glory, was eclipsed; with the loss of faith, the courage of the spirit was also lost; They were also oppressed by the consciousness of their unfulfilled duty to Christ, whom they cowardly left alone in the hands of their enemies. Therefore, having no support either within themselves or outside themselves, the apostles thought more about preserving their own safety “for fear of the Jews.” Before the death of Christ, they all “hoped that He, their Teacher, was the Messiah who would deliver Israel” and would open the glorious earthly kingdom of Israel, but His death on the Cross completely destroyed these hopes and dreams of theirs.
A painful, difficult situation... But now the more ardent Apostle Peter again goes to the Holy Sepulcher, without giving himself an account, not knowing why he is going, because he himself has already seen the empty place where Christ was buried. However, now Peter immediately returned and declared with delight:
– Christ has truly risen!.. I saw Him myself: He appeared to me on the way.
Now, it seemed, there were quite enough eyewitnesses of the Risen One to assure the truth of the Resurrection of Christ, and therefore many disciples joyfully greeted each other. But Mary Magdalene and the other myrrh-bearers, shining with happiness and despising all the dangers from the furious enemies of Jesus Christ, could not remain calm in one place. They moved from house to house, from one disciple of Christ to another, in purity, simplicity, depth and strength of love for their Healer and Teacher, enthusiastically repeating countless times the joyful gospel:
- Christ is risen! Truly risen!..
And with grace, the tree of the Church of Christ began to grow quickly. A small handful of disciples and disciples sincerely devoted to Christ the Savior, of whom the most zealous was the holy Myrrh-Bearer Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, triumphed over the arrogant superstition of paganism, took possession of entire kingdoms with their kings and brought the divine teaching of Christ to the world.
The Holy Myrrh-bearing Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene selflessly fulfilled the first and main commandment of Christ the Savior, as it is said in Mark and Matthew: “She loved the Lord with all her heart, with all her soul, with all her mind and with all her strength” (Matthew 22:37). The realization by Saint Mary Magdalene under all circumstances of such true, complete love for the Lord serves as a vital model for the love of every Christian for God.
Following the example of St. Mary Magdalene, Christians should have and demonstrate selfless love for God. The strength of this love must be such that no one and nothing could lead astray: “neither life, nor death, nor height, nor depth, no creature, nor angels, nor principles, nor powers, nor the present, nor the future.”
Since the appearances of the resurrected Christ described by the holy evangelists and the sermon of St. Mary Magdalene about the Resurrection, the surviving New Testament books do not provide more details about the activities of this saint equal to the apostles. The stories about her subsequent life vary significantly, depending on the area from which they come. However, in essence, these legends, one way or another, still report on the zealous equal-to-the-apostles activity of Saint Mary Magdalene.
Thus, the tradition of the Eastern Greek-Russian Orthodox Church reports that after the Gospel appearances of the risen Christ, Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene stayed with the Most Holy Theotokos and the apostles and was an active witness and participant in the first successes of the spread of the Christian faith in Jerusalem. Then Mary Magdalene preached in other countries, everywhere proclaiming heavenly grace, joy and salvation to all who believed in the Savior.
In Italy, Saint Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, appeared to the reigning Emperor Tiberius at that time and presented him, according to the generally accepted Eastern custom, with an egg painted red, saying:
- Christ is risen!
Paradoxically, the emperor was not at all surprised by the poverty of the offering to St. Mary Magdalene, who first appeared to him. And all because he knew the ancient custom (in general in the East and among the Jews in particular), when appearing for the first time to the highest, to present as a sign of respect a gift with some known or symbolic meaning. Poor people in similar circumstances offered various fruits or bird eggs. Mary Magdalene explained to the suspicious Tiberius what her offering meant. In her sermon, with great inspiration and conviction, she told the emperor about the life, miracles, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the actions of the unjust court and the connivance of the cowardly Roman ruler of Judea, Pilate Pontius. The angry Tiberius put the members of the Jerusalem Sanhedrin on trial, and Pilate was deprived of power and exiled to Gaul, to the city of Vienna, where, according to one legend, depressed by remorse and despair, he took his own life. According to another legend, Pilate, sentenced to death by the court, repented, turned to Christ in prayer and was forgiven by him, as a sign of which, after cutting off his head, it was accepted by an angel.
According to legend, Lazarus’s sisters Martha and Mary went to Italy together with the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene. Pilate, having learned about this and fearing that Christians would expose his illegal actions, himself sent Emperor Tiberius a report about Jesus Christ, in which he testified about his beneficial life, the healing of all kinds of diseases, injuries, even the resurrection of the dead and other great miracles.
Pilate claimed that, having checked the accusations of the Jews, he did not find any guilt of Jesus Christ; he wanted to deliver Him from the hands of the seditious Jews, but could not and handed Him over to their will. And after the crucifixion of Jesus by the Jews, terrible signs took place in nature, and many dead people were resurrected when Jesus resurrected on the third day.
After such evidence from the Roman ruler of Judea and from the admirers of Christ the Savior, Emperor Tiberius, according to legend, having himself believed in the Savior, proposed to canonize him among the Roman gods. And even when the Roman Senate rejected such a proposal, Tiberius, by royal decree, threatened to punish anyone who would dare to insult believers in Jesus Christ.
Thus, with her sermon about Christ the Savior, Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene prompted the pagan ruler of Judea to testify in writing to the worldwide event of the Resurrection of Christ before the pagan world, and the pagan emperor of the Roman Empire himself to recognize the greatness and divine power of Christ the Savior, thereby facilitating the spread of Christianity.
Christians of that time, having learned about the meaning and strength of the impression made by Mary Magdalene’s gift of a red egg to Emperor Tiberius with the words: “Christ is risen!”, began to imitate her in this and, in memory of the Resurrection of Christ, began to give red eggs. So little by little this custom spread everywhere and became universal among Christians all over the world. And the egg serves as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ and our rebirth into the future life.
Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene continued to preach the gospel of Christ for a long time in Italy, in the city of Rome - both during the first visit to Rome by the Apostle Paul, and after his departure two years later.
St. John Chrysostom teaches that, giving each believer the praise that corresponds to him, the Apostle Paul greets Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary as having labored and devoted herself to apostolic deeds. Her labors, mentioned here by the apostle, were the exploits of the apostles and evangelists, and therefore equal to the apostles; She served, adds Saint Chrysostom, and fearlessly exposed herself to dangers and made difficult journeys, sharing with the apostles all the labors of preaching.
From Rome, according to Church tradition, Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene arrived in the city of Ephesus, then especially famous in Asia Minor. There, according to legend and the testimony of many holy fathers and church writers, Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene helped the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian in his evangelistic works. She died in Ephesus and was buried.
In the 10th century, under Emperor Leo VI, the incorrupt, glorified relics of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene were solemnly transferred from Ephesus to Constantinople and placed in the church of the monastery of St. Lazarus. This is the tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
And yet it cannot be stated unequivocally that the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, remained entirely in Constantinople forever. They could have been moved by the believers themselves to another place for fear of attacks by the Turks. They could also easily have been taken to the west, to Rome, from Constantinople, when at the beginning of the 13th century it was captured by the crusaders of the Fourth Crusade - then the relics of the saints of many south-eastern regions were carried away and divided into different cities of Western European countries.
The Roman Catholic Church claims that the relics of St. Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles, with the exception of her head, rest in Rome, near the Lateran Palace of the Popes in the main temple of St. John Lateran, under the altar. Pope Honorius II, who personally buried the relics, consecrated this altar in honor of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene. Also, since 1280, the Roman Catholic Church has venerated the relics of this saint, divided into parts located in Provence near the city of Marseille, where a majestic temple was erected in a secluded valley in honor of St. Mary Magdalene.
The Orthodox Church sacredly honors the memory of Mary Magdalene, a woman called by the Lord himself. Once a saint, having received healing, sincerely and irrevocably starting a new, pure life, she never wavered on this path again. Mary loved the Lord, who called her to a new life. She was faithful to Him not only when He, having cast out seven demons from her, surrounded by enthusiastic people, walked through the cities and villages of Palestine, gaining the glory of a miracle worker. So it was when all the disciples left Him out of fear and He, humiliated and crucified, hung in agony on the Cross. That is why the Lord, knowing her faithfulness, was the first to appear to her, rising from the Tomb, and it was she who was vouchsafed to be the first preacher of His Resurrection.
Prayer book
First prayer
O holy myrrh-bearer and all-praised equal-to-the-apostles disciple of Christ, Mary Magdalene! To you, as the most faithful and powerful intercessor for us to God, we now diligently resort to sinners and unworthiness and pray in contrition of our hearts. In your life you have experienced the terrible wiles of demons, but by the grace of Christ you have clearly been freed from them; and with your prayers deliver us from the snare of demons, so that in all our lives we may faithfully serve the One Holy Master God, as we were promised to Him, in our deeds, words, thoughts and secret thoughts of our hearts. You loved the Sweetest Lord Jesus more than all earthly blessings, and you followed Him well through all your life; with His Divine teachings and grace you not only nourished your soul, but also brought many people from pagan darkness to Christ’s wonderful light; then we ask thee: ask us from Christ God for the grace that enlightens and sanctifies, so that we may be overshadowed by it and succeed in faith and piety, in the labors of love and self-sacrifice, so that those who earnestly strive to serve our neighbors in their spiritual and physical needs, remembering the example of your love for mankind. You, holy Mary, lived vigilantly through the grace of God on earth and peacefully departed to the heavenly abode; pray to Christ the Savior, that through your prayers He will grant us the ability to complete our journey without stumbling in this vale of tears and to end our lives in peace and repentance. Yes, having lived in holiness on earth, we will be worthy of eternal blissful life in heaven, and there with you and all the saints together we will praise the indivisible Trinity, we will glorify the One Divinity, the Father and the Son and the All-Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Second prayer
O holy myrrh-bearer, Equal-to-the-Apostles Magdalene Mary! You, with your warm love for Christ God, trampled the evil machinations of the enemy and found the priceless beads of Christ and reached the Kingdom of Heaven. For this reason, I fall down to you and with a tender soul and a contrite heart I cry out to you, unworthy: look down from the heights of heaven on me, who am overcome by sinful temptations; see, since the enemy besets me with many sins and troubles every day, seeking my destruction. Glorious and all-praised disciple of Christ, Mary! Pray to Christ God, beloved by you and who loved you, to grant me forgiveness of many of my sins, to strengthen me with His grace to soberly and cheerfully walk in the path of His holy commandments, and to make me a fragrant temple of the Holy Spirit: so that in the world I will shamelessly end my difficult life on earth and I will dwell in the bright and blissful abodes of heavenly paradise, where you and all the saints unceasingly joyfully glorify the Consubstantial Trinity, the Father and the Son and the All-Holy Spirit. Amen.
Juliania Vyazemskaya
The fate of Juliana Vyazemskaya bears little resemblance to the fates of other Russian saints. She was the wife of Prince Simeon Mstislavich Vyazemsky, until the Smolensk prince Yuri Svyatoslavovich tried to forcibly bring Juliana to himself “even if he wanted to live with her.” Unable to tolerate the abuse, the princess stabbed the offender, and he, in a fit of rage, killed her husband, cut off her own arms and legs, and ordered her body to be thrown into the Tvertsa River. In the spring of 1407, the body of the martyr Juliana was found floating against the current of the Tverets River. The found body of the saint was buried at the southern doors of the Transfiguration Cathedral in the city of Torzhok, and soon after this miraculous healings began to occur at the burial site. The exact date of the canonization of Juliana Vyazemskaya as a locally revered saint is unknown, but many historians believe that this happened in 1815, the year of the rediscovery of the saint’s relics.
Saint Natalia: veneration of the martyr
Saint Natalia's Day according to the Orthodox calendar is September 8 (August 26, old style). In honor of this celebration, special prayer services are held in all churches named in honor of the righteous woman. Girls and women bearing this noble name are also celebrated.
The relics of the martyr were initially kept in Constantinople. At the end of the IV century. Bishop Mitrofan erected a beautiful cathedral for the remains of Adrian and Natalia. But in the VII century. They were moved to Rome - Pope Honorius I ordered the construction of a temple for the relic in the former building of the Imperial Senate. Now the body of the ascetic lies in the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore (Milan, Italy).
The icon of Saint Natalia exists in several editions. As a rule, masters depict a young woman with sad eyes. A righteous woman can hold a cross (the personification of her bloodless martyrdom), a scarf - a symbol of caring for her spouse, or a scroll with the words inscribed: “Let all things that are worldly, corruptible and harmful to the soul disappear from your mind.”
