St Virgin Euphrosyne of Polotsk

Holy Virgin Euphrosyne, Princess of Polotsk (1173)

Orthros artwork for the life of St Virgin Euphrosyne of Polotsk
Orthros artwork

From the Prologue of Ochrid

The daughter of Vseslav, Prince of Polotsk. When her parents wished to betroth her, she fled to a women's monastery and was tonsured. Three times an angel of the Lord appeared to her and showed her the place where she was to establish a new convent. She drew into monasticism her sister Eudoxia as well, and many other maidens from the nobility. One of her kinswomen, Zvenislava, by birth the Princess Borisovna, brought all her treasures, garments, and precious stones and said: "All the beauties of this world I consider worthless, and these adornments prepared for marriage I give to the church of the Savior, and I myself desire to be betrothed to Him in spiritual marriage and to bow my head beneath His gentle and easy yoke." Euphrosyne tonsured her also and gave her the name Eupraxia. In old age Euphrosyne desired to die in Jerusalem and prayed to God for this. God heard her prayer, and indeed, when she visited Jerusalem she ended her life there. She was buried in the Monastery of Saint Theodosius on May 23, 1173.

“All the beauties of this world I consider worthless, and these adornments prepared for marriage I give to the church of the Savior.”

Also commemorated on May 23

Questions

When is the feast day of St Virgin Euphrosyne of Polotsk?
The Orthodox Church commemorates St Virgin Euphrosyne of Polotsk on May 23 on the New Calendar and June 5 on the Old Calendar.
Who else is commemorated on that day?
The Church also remembers St Leonty of Rostov; St Mary, Wife of Cleopas; St Michael of St Sabbas' Monastery; and St Michael the Confessor of Synnada.
When is the feast of St Virgin Euphrosyne of Polotsk in 2027?
In 2027, on the New Calendar, it falls on Sunday, May 23.

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