Many believers know firsthand that in terms of the number of converts and miracles performed, Saint Xenia of Petersburg cannot be compared with anyone except perhaps the Blessed Matrona of Moscow. For the cultural capital of our country - St. Petersburg - Ksenia has become a real talisman against misfortunes and a protector from all adversity. The icon of Xenia the Blessed in St. Petersburg has helped more than one thousand people.
In total, St. Petersburg has three intercessors, including Alexander Nevsky, who was canonized, as well as John of Kronstadt. Of extraordinary interest to many historical figures is the slightly strange fact that the saints listed above have huge temples named after them, and Xenia of Petersburg is buried in a small and very modest grave, next to which a miniature chapel is built. However, the burial place of the saint, as well as the icon of Blessed Xenia of Petersburg, whose photo and description of her life andwill be presented in this article, so far officially recognized as the most popular places of pilgrimage in St. Petersburg.
The appearance and unusual life of the saint
According to approximate data, Saint Xenia of Petersburg was born in 1720-1730, no exact information on this matter was found. Death is dated approximately 1790-1810. The then ordinary woman Ksenia was married to a singer who served in the retinue of Elizabeth Petrovna, whose name was Andrei Fedorovich Petrov. It is known that Xenia's husband bore the military rank of colonel. The family life of Xenia of Petersburg ended quite suddenly when Andrei Fedorovich passed away due to infection with an incurable disease at that time.
The death of her husband left a huge mark on the heart of a young woman, she fell into despondency, led a reclusive life and reacted to the name of her deceased husband, as if to her own. The situation was also aggravated by the fact that Xenia felt immensely guilty that her loved one died without repenting to the Lord. Since then, Ksenia has not had children, she has not entered into a new relationship and, in general, began to live as modestly as possible. Xenia even sometimes had thoughts about saying goodbye to life.
Love is stronger than death
Even Ksenia Grigorievna's neighbors began to notice that far from everything was all right with her. The woman, without any doubt or hesitation, gave her own house to the poor, she herself went to live inmodest hut with minimal amenities. Such an act looked truly strange even in the distant 18th century. As required to be proved, the public began to sharply condemn the widow for the fact that she renounced worldly life to the fullest. People decided to organize a meeting of Xenia with her husband's former entourage in order to reason with her and, perhaps, place her in some kind of shelter for the blessed or a similar haven. Nevertheless, contrary to expectations, Ksenia Grigoryevna showed herself to be a very prudent woman, after which a decision was made to cancel the hospitalization of the future Saint. After that incident, the resigned townspeople stopped looking askance at the unfortunate woman, from which her service to the Lord was launched. Why is the icon of St. Xenia the Blessed so revered?
Prophecies of Xenia of Petersburg
How exactly the miracle of discovering holy power in an ordinary woman happened is very, very difficult to say. It is only known that once Xenia predicted a fire, giving a passerby a coin with the words: “Take this penny, the tsar will soon go out here.” Oddly enough, Xenia's very unusual visions came true, including this one. The stranger's house really caught fire, but was extinguished by the people with the speed of lightning. Another miracle tells that Ksenia saved the woman from whom she bought a house. By the way, that woman had long dreamed of having a child, and Xenia foresaw that this child would come from heaven and be presented as a gift to a desperate sufferer. And so it happened. This happened through the fault of the cabman, who had a fatalimprudence to knock down a woman who was pregnant on a carriage. She gave birth, immediately after dying and giving a he althy child to Paraskeva. The father of the newborn boy was never found, and Paraskeva raised him as her own son.
Asceticism
Xenia Peterburgskaya died at the age of 70, 40 of which she spent on the street. According to historians, the woman died no later than in 1806. Ksenia almost never slept, but spent her nights building a temple and praying for sinners. When the day came, the Saint spoke to passers-by in her incomprehensible language, prayed for passers-by and instilled goodness with her deeds. The cemetery where Saint Xenia is buried is not at all like those to which people are accustomed. Here, young mothers with children, couples in love, cooing about their own, and even elderly people can walk quite calmly. This place was once memorable for Xenia, as all her youth passed here.
What is the strength of Xenia of Petersburg?
Everyone has their own opinion about Saint Xenia. Someone considers her wonderful and even crazy, someone is afraid, and someone shows immense respect. Undoubtedly, the icon of Xenia the Blessed has great significance in the life of every Christian. In any case, they never remain indifferent to this holy fool.
Ksenia prayed during her lifetime mainly at night, since at this time the appeals to Jesus are more pure andblameless. Passers-by onlookers also saw this, which they were immensely surprised. The grave of Ksenia's husband, unfortunately, has been lost, but it is presumably located at the Smolensk cemetery, from where Ksenia moved from Vasilyevsky Island exclusively on foot.
Burial place of Saint Xenia
The burial of Xenia herself, since 1902, was regularly visited by staunch Christians who took the miraculous earth in order to experience the miracle of healing. This happens to this day, which is why the burial place is regularly updated. In 1830, a chapel was erected over Xenia's tombstone, which was consecrated as early as 1902. The burial place with the relics of the saint, as well as the icon of Blessed Xenia of Petersburg, were made from the best materials. The walls of the chapel were hung with a variety of icons, among which the face of the "mistress" of the temple was the main one. During the times of repressions and flourishing atheism, an agreement was signed by politicians giving the right to rent the building of the chapel. As it became known later, among the landlords was a priest named Alexei Zapadalov, who a few years later died like a martyr. This event took place in a place called Svirlag.
Saint won't be stopped even by war
Before the outbreak of hostilities, and specifically in 1940, the chapel of Xenia of Petersburg was closed, but the flow of pilgrims going for help to the Holy One could not be reduced by any war. Crowds of parishioners approached the gatetemple, taking up a huge queue.
During the merciless war, Xenia's tombstone was destroyed, and the chapel building and icons were barbarously destroyed by fire. In 1946, a year after the end of the war, the chapel was restored and filled with new images, the appearance was restored. The chapel did not stand for long, as already in 1960 it was closed, and a workshop of sculptural compositions appeared in its place. Saint Xenia's name day is celebrated on June 6th. This day was recognized as a Christian holiday in 1988. The icon of Blessed Xenia has a special power. Photos and a prayer of petition will be presented below.
Miraculous power of Xenia of Petersburg
As for the miracles that Xenia performed, one of them happened in the city of Novorossiysk in 1911. Then a woman named Xenia was found to have breast cancer, which at that time was not treated in any way. Doctors, desperate, did not take measures to treat the woman, recognizing the situation as hopeless. Then the sick woman was weak to such an extent that, except for ice, she could not swallow anything. The patient could not even move her hand.
At the same time, the woman's relatives received a letter stating that a memorial service was taking place in the church of St. Xenia. It happened on July 21, at the same time a parcel arrived in the city containing 2 bottles of consecrated oil from the relics of Xenia. An acquaintance of the sick woman immediately sent one of the vials of healing oil to the sick woman, and kept the second vial for herself in order to heal her sore leg. The neighbor put the sand from the grave to the woman underpillow, and rubbed her chest with healing oil. Relief followed very soon, which once again proves that Blessed Xenia is truly strong.
What helps St. Blessed Xenia of Petersburg
The icon of the saint has truly miraculous properties. Like the Matrona of Moscow, Blessed Xenia is addressed with petitions for finding happiness in family life, he alth and well-being. Among other things, the icon provides invisible help in finding love and prosperity. Also, unmarried girls ask Saint Xenia to help find a groom. Many people wonder what else the icon of Blessed Xenia is famous for, what helps?
Prayers before the icon of Xenia the Blessed
Before the icon of St. Xenia, you can order a magpie for the he alth of loved ones, as well as expectant mothers to ask for he alth for babies. In particular, the icon has a strong effect on those beauties who have not found their happiness and are asking for it. When praying, lighting a church candle is considered an obligatory ritual. On top of that, prayers addressed to the icon of Xenia of Petersburg help to overcome such a serious ailment of women's he alth as infertility.
Also, the icon of Blessed Xenia helps to save a loved one from addictions to alcohol and tobacco smoking. Another problem that can be solved with the help of prayer before this icon is drug addiction. Even experienced drug addicts are cured after a visit to the church named after St. Xenia of Petersburg. Like any icon, the icon of Blessed Xenia of Petersburg accepts only sincererequests, so be honest and may the Lord be with you!
Prayer to Blessed Xenia of Petersburg for family well-being
Oh, Blessed Mother, Blessed Xenia! I send my sincere prayer to You, contemplating Your holy image. Hear me, servant of the Lord (name), full of sin. Do not leave me without Your intercession, without blessing, support me in a fierce hour, do not turn away your face in difficulties.
Help, O Ksenia, to establish peace in the family, so that you can live in harmony with your husband, in complete harmony, understanding and love. May our family be filled with happiness and bathe in prosperity, and may any quarrel invariably end in peace. Let the feelings be strong and complete understanding reign.
Give us little children so that we can educate them in the service of the Lord, so that our race will continue with a worthy generation. I ask for obedience to my husband and for his attentiveness. May peace reign in our family, love, grace and understanding.
Oh, Saint Xenia, I pray You for these blessings. Shed your favor! I trust only in You and I will forever carry Your praise! Amen.
