As one of the most revered saints in Moscow, Matrona attracts the attention of those in need at times when it is simply necessary to regain faith and gain strength. People are drawn to this icon, lining up in front of the temples. But not everyone who wants to know exactly where to come to light a candle to the great martyr.
Matron's Path
Born in 1881, Matrona lived 71 years, which she devoted to kindness and service to the people. This aspiration was reinforced by deep faith in God. Blind from birth, she saw more than other people could see. This helped Matrona to better understand those who turned to her, to guide them in their struggle against their own worries and temptations sent by fate.
The name of the great martyr was given to her at baptism in honor of the Monk Matrona of Constantinople. On this day, the first sign was sent that the girl would become a servant of the Lord - after ascending over the baptismal font, a light steam column arose above her naked.
Despite such a great mission, Matrona's life was quite difficult - poverty, mistrust on the part of a large number of people, misunderstanding on the part of peers in childhood. The mother felt sorry for her daughter, to which the enlightened one said that she was not unhappy - she was given much more from the Lord than to other, even healthy people.
Matrona moved to Moscow in 1925, where she remained until the end of her days, helping ordinary people in churches and temples. Here she was buried, and then relics were removed from the earth and canonized, making her Saint Matrona. And it is in Moscow that you can visit the places where the relics of Matronushka will help you cope with life's difficulties and self-doubt.
Places where you can pray over the icon of St. Matrona of Moscow
The main place of the procession of pilgrims is in the Intercession Monastery. Three main shrines are kept here, reminiscent of the miracles performed by Saint Matrona. These are the relics of the great martyr, the icon of the Mother of God for the cell, the writing of which was blessed by the Matrona of Moscow, and the icon of the latter herself.
You can also touch the holy relics of Matrona of Moscow and pray over her icon:
- in the church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in Endova;
- in the church of St. Gregory of Neokesariyskiy in Derbitsy;
- in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ at the former Semenovskoye cemetery;
- in the temple of the Unrepentant Cosmas and Damian in Shubin;
- in the temple of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, in the village of Baranovo, Kursk region;
- in the temple of the Kazan Mother of God in Balezin in Udmurtia.
When to commemorate the saint
To ask for help from Saint Matrona, you do not have to wait for a special day, but communication with her will be better if you pray on the days of her memory. The Orthodox Church has established several specific dates for the memory of the great martyr:
- May 2 - the day of Matrona's death;
- November 22 - the day of the holy angel;
- March 8 - the day the church acquired the relics of Matrona of Moscow;
- September 2 - the day of the Cathedral of Moscow Saints;
- October 5 - the day of the Cathedral of the Tula Saints.
