Holy Great Martyr Xenia of Kalamata

Saint Xenia (Xenίa) was born at Kalamata (Kalamáta) in the Peloponnesos (Pelopónnēsos) in the year 291. Her parents were named Nicholas and Despina (Déspina), who were devout Christians from the eastern part of Italy. However, due to the continuous and harsh persecution against Christians during those years, they fled to Kalamata and settled on a farm outside the city, because her father was a farmer. From a young age, instead of playing unseemly games and engaging in idle talk, Xenia stayed at home with her mother, and adorned her soul with fasting, self-control, silence, regular prayer, modesty of speech, tears and vigils. She also helped the poor, as well as widows and orphans with all her strength. She fasted in order to feed the hungry, a practice which befits her name.1 She had curly blonde hair, and her brows framed her large and lively dark blue eyes. Though tall and statuesque,...

Источник: https://www.oca.org/saints/all-lives/2026/05/03

Название источника: OCA Lives of the Saints

Язык оригинала: en