St. Xenia of St. Petersburg
Commemorated on January 24
St.. Xenia lived during the eighteenth century and passed most of her life in St. Petersburg during the reigns of Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine II. Xenia Grigorievna Petrova was the wife of an army officer, Major Andrew Petrov. She became a widow at the age of twenty-six when her husband suddenly died at a social event. She grieved for the loss, especially because he died without Confession or Holy Communion.
Once her earthly happiness ended, she did not look for it again. From that time forward, Xenia lost interest in the things of this world, and followed the difficult path of foolishness for the sake of Christ. The basis for this way of life is to be found in the first Epistle to the Corinthians. The Lord strengthened her and helped her to bear sorrow and misfortune patiently for the next forty-five years.
She began to wear her husband’s clothing, and insisted that she be addressed as “Andrew Feodorovich.” She told people that it was she, and not her husband, who had died. In a certain sense, this was perfectly true. She abandoned her former way of life and experienced a spiritual rebirth. When she gave away her house and possessions to the poor, her relatives complained to the authorities. After speaking to Xenia, the officials were convinced that she was in her right mind and was entitled to dispose of her property as she saw fit. Soon she had nothing left, so she wandered through the poor sections of the city. She refused all assistance from her relatives, and was happy to be free of worldly attachments.
Xenia left Petersburg for eight years. It is believed that she visited the holy elders and ascetics throughout Russia seeking instruction in the spiritual life. St. Xenia eventually returned to Petersburg, where she was mocked and insulted because of her strange behavior. When she did accept money from people, it was only small amounts, which she used to help the poor. She spent her nights praying without sleep in a field outside the city. Prayer strengthened her, and in her heart’s conversation with the Lord, she found the support she needed on her difficult path.
Soon her great virtue and spiritual gifts began to be noticed. She prophesied future events affecting the citizens of Petersburg. She became known as someone pleasing to God, and everyone loved her. They said, “Xenia does not belong to this world, she belongs to God.” People regarded her visits to their homes as a great blessing. St. Xenia loved children, and mothers rejoiced when she would stand and pray over a baby’s crib or kiss a child. They believed that her kiss would bring that child good fortune.
St. Xenia lived about forty-five years after the death of her husband, and departed to the Lord at the age of seventy-one. The exact date and circumstances of her death are not known, but it probably took place at the end of the eighteenth century. She was buried in the Smolensk Cemetery. People flocked to her grave to pray for her soul, and to ask her to intercede with God for them. So many visitors took earth from her grave that it had to be replaced every year. Later, a chapel was built over her grave.
Those who turn to St. Xenia in prayer receive healing from illness, and deliverance from their afflictions.
Troparion (Tone 8) –
In thee, O wandering Strange, Christ the Lord hath given us an ardent intercessor for our kind.
For having received in they life suffering and grief and served God and men with life,
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 (Tone 3) –
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 early wandering thou hast come to dwell in the Father’s house.
By permission of the Orthodox Church in America (www.oca.org)