Blessed Xenia

Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg was married early in life to a colonel, but his sudden and unexpected death left her widowed at the young age of 26. Realizing in her grief the transitory nature of this life, she gave away all her earthly possessions and became a "fool-for-Christ", wearing the uniform of her departed husband, and called herself by his name. She spent the remainder of her life among the paupers of St. Petersburg, enduring mockery and the harsh elements, praying always to God in her heart. St. Xenia was given the gift of miracle-working in abundance, both during her lifetime and after her repose. Today she is known particularly for her intercessions for those seeking employment, and for families and marriages. This is a mounted print of an original icon by a monk of the Hermitage.