Feast Day: July 5th
& Sunday nearest January 25th – Synaxis of all the New Martyrs of the Russian Church in the Twentieth Century
The Life of Saint Elizabeth: They were herded into the forest, pushed into an abandoned mineshaft, into which grenades were then hurled. An observer heard them singing Church Hymns as they were pushed into the mineshaft. After the Bolsheviks left, he could still hear singing for some time…
The Life of Saint Barbara: As Sisters of Grand Duchess Elizabeth’s Convent, the women were well known throughout Moscow for performing acts of charity. They took food to the homes of the poor, set up a home for women suffering from tuberculosis, established a hospital to care for the sick, established homes for the physically disabled, pregnant women and the elderly. They also established an orphanage…
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Prayers
Canon to the Holy and Righteous Nun-Martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara
Troparion – Tone 4: Emulating the Lord’s self-abasement on the Earth, you gave up royal mansions to serve the poor and disdained, overflowing with compassion for the suffering. And taking up a Martyr’s Cross, in your meekness you perfected the Saviour’s image within yourself, therefore, with Barbara, entreat Him to save us all, O wise Elizabeth.
Kontakion – Tone 3: In the midst of worldliness, thy mournful heart dwelt in Heaven; in barbaric godlessness, your valiant Soul was not troubled; you longed to meet your Bridegroom as a Confessor, and He found you worthy of your Martyric purpose. O Elizabeth, with Barbara, your brave companion, Pray to your Bridegroom for us.
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