January 24
Reading:
Our righteous Mother Xenia of Petersburg was born about
the year 1730. She was married to a Colonel named Andrew; when she was
twenty-six years old, her husband died suddenly, having been drinking
with his friends. Left a childless widow, Xenia gave away all that she
had, and vanished from Saint Petersburg for eight years; it is believed
that she spent this time in a hermitage, learning the spiritual life.
When she returned to Saint Petersburg, she wore her husband's military
clothing, and would answer only to the name Andrew, that is, the name of
her late husband. She took up the life of a homeless wanderer, and was
abused by many as insane; she bore this with great patience, crucifying
the carnal mind through the mockery she endured, and praying for her
husband's soul. She was given great gifts of prayer and prophecy, and
often foretold things to come; in 1796 she foretold the death of Empress
Catherine II. Having lived forty-five years after her husband's death,
she reposed in peace at the age of seventy-one, about the year 1800.
Her grave became such a source of miracles, and so many came to take
soil from it as a blessing, that it was often necessary to replace the
soil; when a stone slab was placed over her grave, this too disappeared
over time, piece by piece. Saint Xenia is especially invoked for help
in finding employment, lodging, or a spouse.
Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
In thee, O wandering stranger, Christ the Lord hath given us an
ardent intercessor for our kind. For having received in thy life
sufferings and grief and served God and men with love, thou didst
acquire great boldness. Wherefore, we fervently hasten to thee in
temptations and grief, crying out from the depths of our hearts: Put
not our hope to shame, O Blessed Xenia.
Kontakion in the Third Tone
Having been as a wandering stranger on earth, sighing for the
Heavenly homeland, thou wast known as a fool by the senseless and
unbelieving, but as most wise and holy by the faithful, and wast crowned
by God with glory and honor, O Xenia, manly-minded and divinely wise.
Wherefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, for after earthly wandering thou
hast come to dwell in the Father's house.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2012(with 2011's link here also and further, 2010, 2009 and even 2008!):
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