Saint Xenia

myminifactory

Saint Xenia lived an extraordinary life during the 18th century, yet surprisingly little is known about her family or personal history. For most of her life, she resided in Petersburg during the reigns of Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine II, leading a relatively quiet existence. Following the untimely demise of her husband, Saint Xenia plunged into a deep depression that ultimately transformed her into a spiritual figure. She began wearing her late husband's clothing and insisted on being addressed as "Andrew Feodorovich," claiming it was she who had perished, not him. This profound transformation marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one characterized by solitude and poverty. Despite her circumstances, Saint Xenia selflessly dedicated everything she possessed to the poor, earning widespread recognition for her exceptional virtue and spiritual gifts to the people of St Petersburg. As a testament to her enduring legacy, a chapel was eventually built over her grave, now standing proudly alongside the Philological faculty of St Petersburg State University as a lasting tribute to this remarkable woman's life.