Saint Matrona of Moscow
Saint Matrona, of Moscow, Russia, Wonder-worker (1881-1952)
Matrona may be spelt Matronushka, Matrushenka (an affectionate Russian diminutive).
The life of Saint Matrona is included here not because the saint was ever in Canada, but rather because very many people in Canada have a spiritual relationship with her. In addition, there are some persons in Canada whose family members long ago had a relationship with the saint during her life-time.
Early life of Matrona Dmitrievna Nikonova
On 9/22 November, 1881, Matrona Dmitrievna Nikonova was born to Dmitry and Natalia Nikonov (their fourth child) in the village of Sebino in the Epiphansky County (now Kimovsky County) in the Tula Governorate (Province) of the Russian Empire. This is slightly over 300 km (186 mi) south of Moscow, and only 20 km (12 mi) distant from the famous Kulikovo Field, the site of the battle in which the Russian Army, under the leadership of Saint Dmitry Donskoy, defeated the Mongols, which was led by Mamail, in 1380.
Matrona’s parents Dmitry and Natalia were devout, honest and hardworking people. They were also very poor. At the birth of Matrona, they had 4 children : 2 brothers, Ivan and Mikhail, and 2 sisters, Maria and Matrona. When Matrona was born, her parents were no longer young.
The Nikonovs lived in such poverty that to feed and clothe a fourth child seemed to be impossible. While she was still carrying the unborn child, because of their desperate circumstances, the mother wanted to get rid of the child. However, murdering a child in the mother’s womb was out of the question, and there were many asylums where illegitimate or very poor children were raised at the government’s or a benefactors’ expense. Therefore, Matrona’s mother Natalia made up her mind to take the child after the birth to the Prince Golitsyn Asylum in the neighbouring village of Buchalki, where the child would be raised at the prince’s expense. This was one of many such orphanages in the Russian Empire which were supported by nobles.
Shortly after she had so decided, however, she had a prophetic dream. She saw her unborn daughter as a white bird with a human face and closed eyes, who came from above and perched on her right hand. The God-fearing woman interpreted the dream as a sign, and she gave up the thought of sending the child away. The daughter was born blind, but her mother loved her “poor child”. The child was indeed born totally blind, with firmly shut eyelids over empty eye sockets. The baby also had a raised birthmark in the form of a cross-shaped protrusion on her chest. Her mother interpreted this also as being a sign from God.
The Holy Scriptures tell us that sometimes the All-knowing God elects His servants before their birth. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you ; before you were born I sanctified you ; [...]” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Family home at Sebino
Baptism and infancy, 1881
As is the custom, Matrona was baptised 40 days after her birth, in the local parish of the Diocese of Tula, in the Russian Orthodox Church. According to Saint Matrona’s relative, Pavel Ivanovich Prokhorov, who was there at the baptism, when the local priest, Father Vasily Troitsky immersed the child in the baptismal font, everyone saw a wispy column of aromatic smoke above the baby, that rose up from the font to the ceiling. The priest (who was revered by his parishioners as righteous and blessed) was amazed, and he said : “I have christened many an infant, but have never seen anything like this ! This infant shall be a saint”. The child was baptised with the name “Matrona”, in honour of the venerable Matrona, a Greek zealot of the 5th century, on whose Feast-day, Matrona had been born.
Father Vasily afterwards added : “If the girl asks for anything, come to me directly, come without hesitation and tell me what she needs”. He also added that Matrona would take up his place and that she would even foretell his death. This did happen later. One night Matrona told her mother that Father Vasily had died. The surprised and frightened parents rushed to the priest’s house. On their arrival they saw that, indeed, he had just reposed in the Lord.
A friend of Natalia later related that while the child was still nursing, her mother would complain, “What can I do ? The baby doesn’t take my breast on Wednesday and Friday – she just sleeps all day and it is impossible to wake her up”.
Not only was Matrona Dmitrievna blind, but she had no eyes at all. The recesses were covered by the eyelids closed firmly together, just as the white bird that her mother saw in a dream. However, the Lord gave Saint Matrona the gift of spiritual vision. Already in her very early childhood, at night, when everyone was asleep, the girl somehow made her way into the holy corner (sometimes mistakenly translated “red” corner), where the family icons were. She would take them down from the shelf, and attempt to converse with them. Her parents were most surprised when they found their little daughter occupied in this manner for the first time.
Example of a modern prayer-corner
Matrona had been prepared by the Lord from the beginning for a great responsibility and service, and with this came the weight of the responsibility and its consequences.
Once, when Matrona was about 6 years old, her mother reproached her for taking her Cross off her neck. “Mummy, I’ve got a Cross of my own on my chest”, the girl replied. “Dear daughter, forgive me ! Why do I keep blaming you ?” said Natalia, coming to her senses.
As she was growing up, village children often made fun of Matrona by mocking her with cruel games. They would hit her with stinging nettles, knowing that she couldn’t see, and once they put her into a ditch, and they watched curiously as she felt her way out of it and shuffled home. Because of these “games”, Matrona stopped playing with other children and she stayed at home most of the time.
The Nikonov home was situated near the beautiful Temple of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which served 7 or 8 nearby villages. Matrona’s parents were known to be a pious family ; and since they often attended Divine Services together, Matrona “grew up” in the Temple. First she attended the services together with her mother ; and later, she used every opportunity to go alone. When Natalia didn’t know where the young girl was, she often found her there, standing quietly in her usual place, behind the door near the west wall. Matrona knew the prayers and hymns of the services, and she often sang along with the choir from where she stood.
Sebino Dormition Temple
When her mother once called her “a miserable child”, Matrona was surprised : “Am I miserable ? It is my brothers, Vanya and Misha, who are miserable”. She knew that God gave her much more than He gave others.
Gifts of spiritual vision and healing
At the age of 7 or 8, Matrona suddenly displayed the gift of spiritual vision. She also began to display the gifts of prophesy, and of healing the infirm. Her relatives recalled that even as a child, she not only perceived human sins and offences, but even thoughts. She felt approaching danger and foresaw natural disasters and social upheavals.
During one feast-day, her mother was getting ready for church and began calling to her husband to go with her. For some reason however he refused, saying he would read and chant the prayers at home. In the meantime, her mother stood in church, deeply perturbed by her husband’s conspicuous absence at the service. Because she was so preoccupied with this, she prayed most absent-mindedly. When she returned home from the services, Matrona turned to her and said : “You were not at church, Mother”. “What do you mean, I wasn’t at church ?” asked mother in surprise. “I have just returned from church – see ?” The girl, however, remarked : “Now father – he was in church, but you were not there !” With her spiritual vision the girl had seen that the mother was only “physically” attending the service, while in spirit she was elsewhere.
At the age of 7, besides the gift of spiritual vision, Matrona began to demonstrate the gift of healing. This fact became widely known, and from that time on the Nikonovs’ home began to draw the ailing and afflicted from all over the region, who made their way there daily, in hope that the little girl would work a miracle (also called a “wonder”) for them. People begged Matrona Dmitrievna to pray for them and to cure them of their illnesses. Through her prayers, many people received healing from sickness and consolation in sorrow. They came first from the nearby villages, and later even from other districts and regions on foot, by cart, and in wagons. Matrona often prayed for bedridden invalids, who would be raised to their feet, healed. Out of gratitude, they left food and gifts for her parents ; thus, instead of being a burden, Matrona soon became the family’s main provider.
Matrona said prayers over water and gave it to those who came to her. Drinking this water and sprinkling it about protected one from a variety of dangers. The content of these prayers is unknown ; but, of course, at that time it was difficult to obtain Holy water that had been sanctified by a priest who had the canonical blessing and right to perform this task. It is known, however, that miraculous healing occurs not only through small amounts of holy water blessed in church, but also through springs and wells (such as the Life-giving Spring) associated with righteous people who spent their prayerful lives near these springs, as well as springs near places where holy icons appeared.
Once, one autumn, Matrona was sitting near the house. Her mother asked her why she would not come in, as it was cold outside. “I cannot be in the house ; I’m exposed to fire and pierced with a garden fork”. Natalia was puzzled : “There’s no one in the house”. Matrona explained : “You can’t understand, Mum. Satan is tempting me”.
Once, Matrona said to her mother Natalia, “Mum, get ready for my wedding”. The mother told the priest about it, and he came and gave the girl Holy Communion. He always came to Matrona’s house to give the girl Holy Communion when she asked. A few days later there arrived very many carts and people who asked for Matronushka. She prayed for them and healed many. Her mother was very surprised and asked her, “What’s that, Matrushenka ?” “I told you I would have a wedding”, she replied.
Xenia Ivanovna Sifarova, a relative of Matrona’s cousin, related that Matrona had said to her mother, “I’m leaving now. Tomorrow there’ll be a fire, but your house won’t suffer”. As she said, a fire broke out in the morning ; nearly the whole village burned down. However, the wind suddenly changed and Natalia’s house remained untouched.
A pilgrimage
When Matrona Dmitrievna was still young, God granted her an opportunity to be a pilgrim. The daughter of a local estate-owner, a devout and kind girl, Lydia Yankova, took Matrona with her on a pilgrimage : to the Kiev Caves Lavra, in Kiev, to the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra near Moscow, to Saint Petersburg, and to other holy places in Russia.
Once, while they were in Saint Petersburg, Matrona met the Holy and Righteous John Sergiyev of Kronstadt. After the Divine Liturgy in the Andreevsky Sobor in Kronstadt, Saint John asked the people to make way for the 14-year-old Matrona to let the girl come through and approach him. As she walked towards him he said loudly: “Matronushka, come, come to me. Here is my replacement, the eighth pillar of Russia”.
Saint John of Kronstadt
Until this day, no-one can explain the significance of that phrase spoken by him. However, the fact that Saint John of Kronstadt, known for his gift of spiritual foresight, had singled Matrona out in the crowd and sought to converse with her, testifies to his having recognised the holy seal on her, and how she would serve Russia and the Russian people during the impending persecution of the Church.
Foresight
While she was still a child, Matrona foresaw the Communist Revolution of 1917 in Russia. She said that “Churches will be robbed and destroyed, and people will be persecuted”. She described vividly the desecration and plundering of Temples, how believers would be persecuted, and how a bloody struggle would unfold for the land. She further described the way the land would be re-distributed, and how people would grab it greedily trying to get more and more – only to leave everything behind and flee. “Then no one would need it”, she said. Before the revolution. Matrona advised an estate-owner whose name was Yankov (the father of her pilgrimage companion) to sell everything and to go abroad. If he had taken the advice of the blessed saint, he would not have witnessed the robbing of his property. He would have avoided premature death, and would have saved his daughter from painful wanderings.
Yevgenia Ivanovna Kalachkova, a neighbour of Matrona, narrates :
Before the revolution, a rich lady bought a house in Sebino. She came to Matrona and said that she wanted to build a bell-tower. Matrona replied, ‘What you have planned is not going to happen’. The lady was surprised. ‘Why won’t it ? I’ve got everything : the money and materials’. However, the bell-tower was never constructed.
Once, at Matrona’s request, an icon was painted for the Temple of the Dormition. Matrona asked her mother to tell the priest that in his library, on a shelf, there was a book with a picture of the icon of the Mother of God : “In Search of the Lost”. The priest was surprised. However, the picture was found, and Matrona told her mother that she was going to have this icon painted. Matrona said that she saw the icon in her dreams : “The Mother of God wants to come to our church”. Matrona’s mother was very worried about how they would pay for it. Matrona blessed the women of Sebino to collect money for the icon in neighbouring villages.
Amongst the sponsors there were 2 men, one of whom gave her a ruble with an uneasy heart, and the other gave a kopeck for a joke. The money was finally brought to Matrona. She took it and started checking the coins one by one. Having found the ruble and the kopeck, she removed them saying: “Give them their money back, Mum. It spoils the rest of the money”.
When the necessary sum had been collected, they invited a painter from the town of Epiphan. His name remained unknown. Matrona asked him whether he was able to paint the icon. He answered that it was his usual business. Matrona told him to have confession and receive Holy Communion. Then she asked him again whether he was sure he would be able to do it. The painter said ‘yes’, and he started working. After a long time, he came to Matrona and he said he could not do it at all. She said to him, “Go and repent of all your sins”. She knew that he had one serious sin, which he had not confessed. He was struck that she knew about it. Then he went to a priest, made his confession, received Holy Communion again, and then he asked Matrona to forgive him. She answered, “Go and paint the icon of the Heavenly Queen. Now you will do it”.
Icon of the Theotokos "In Search of the Lost"
The remaining money raised was spent on another copy of the icon of the Mother of God, “In Search of the Lost”, that was ordered to be painted in Bogoroditsk, in the Tula Province. When it was ready, a procession carried the icon from Bogoroditsk to the Temple in Sebino. Matrona went to meet the icon when it was 4 km away. She was led there. Suddenly, she said, “Don’t go any farther, they are nearly here”. The blind woman was speaking as though she could see : “In half an hour they’ll be here, and they’ll bring the icon”. Indeed, in half an hour the procession arrived. After a moleben (prayer-service) was served, the procession continued on to Sebino. Matrona was holding on to the icon on the way back. This icon, “In Search of the Lost”, became the main locally-venerated icon, largely because of many miracles. Whenever there was a drought, the icon was taken to the centre of the village, and people prayed for rain. No sooner had they gone home than it would rain.
Semi-paralysis
At the age of 17, Matrona Dmitrievna suddenly lost the use of her legs. From that moment on, and to the end of her days, she was unable to walk. Later, the eldress pointed out the spiritual reason for this disability. It was in church, after Holy Communion. Matrona knew that a woman would come and take away her physical strength. It all happened as she expected. “I did not try to avoid it. It was the will of God”, she said. She never complained about her situation, but rather she meekly accepted this burden as from God. Thus, to the end of her days she remained seated. For another 50 years, her “sitting” continued on in various homes and apartments where she found shelter.
A story was related by her biographer, Zinaida Zhdanova. It happened that Matrona told Zinaida's mother, Evdokia (described as being a plain 28-year-old), that she would marry a handsome nobleman. Evdokia moved to Moscow and became a cook at the house of a rich nobleman whose son, Vladimir, was betrothed to one Shukhova. Shortly thereafter, Vladimir is said to have had a dream in which a voice told him to marry a woman named Evdokia. The next morning, he asked whether there were such a woman in the household. He met her, and he nearly fainted. Later, he was sent for training to Perm. He went there with Evdokia, and Zinaida was born shortly thereafter.
Revolution and later life, 1917
Following the Russian Revolutions of 1917, Matrona and her friend Lydia Yankova became homeless peasants, as did the many others who left their villages to find work and food in larger cities. Matrona Dmitrievna led a wandering life during the soviet years. She and Lydia had no permanent place to live.
Move to Moscow, 1925
In 1925, at the age of 40, she found herself in a position which required her to leave her native village. Her 2 brothers, Mikhail and Ivan, had both become staunch communists, and therefore atheists. Michael became a village activist. The pair were irritated by the ceaseless procession of needy and ailing folk coming to their home because of Matrona. Besides this, it must be kept in mind that the persecutions that revolutionary authorities applied to Orthodox Christians and their families caused the brothers to fear for their own lives and the lives of their family and kin. This fear was fed by having such a blessed sister in the home, because she received daily many people, and because she encouraged them to hold on to the Orthodox Christian Faith. They were afraid of persecution. Because of this, they tried to drive away people who had walked very long distances, even from other provinces, in order to see Matrona Dmitrievna. Regardless, Matrona felt compelled to fulfil her mission from the Lord, and she continued to bring consolation, direction and healing from the Lord to those who came to her.
Nevertheless, Matrona felt pity and compassion for her brothers and her parents (Matrona’s mother died in 1945) and their vulnerability. Therefore, she left them in order to live in Moscow, where she had other relatives and friends.
In Moscow, many moves
At that moment, her lengthy wanderings started. She was moving from one family of friends or relatives to another ; she was living in flats, houses, and basements. Almost everywhere, Matrona lived without the required local registration. On a few occasions, she escaped imprisonment only by a miracle. Together with her lived her helpers who took care of her. Sometimes, she had to live with people who were hostile towards her. The housing situation in Moscow was difficult and where one lived (if anywhere) was not a matter of choice.
Many visitors in need of help
Nevertheless, Matrona’s life for the most part followed the same pattern as always : in the daytime she received visitors, and at night she prayed. She spent her whole life in this manner.
In the huge capital there were very many miserable, spiritually infirm people who had perhaps lost their faith or had burdened their souls with a multitude of sins, and who therefore needed her support. Matrona loved Moscow very much. She said that it was a holy city, the heart of Russia. Because she lived in Moscow for about 3 decades, Matrona cared for many people and she stopped many people there from perishing as she directed them to salvation.
Providential moves, avoidance of arrest
Nevertheless, in Moscow, she was forced to move from one apartment to another in order to avoid confrontation with the atheist authorities. The Lord kept watch over her. She always knew in advance when they were coming to arrest her, so she was able to move on and avoid arrest. All the years of the Soviet Union (especially the 1920s and 1930s) were years of fear, suspicion, persecution, and years of repression. Lying became a way of life for many. All these are characteristics of the activity of the evil one and of evil in general. Her friends always managed to take her to some safe place in the nick of time. At a time when other religious people were sent to Stalinist labour camps or sent into exile for their beliefs, no-one ever betrayed Matrona's location. People continued to come to Matrona for advice and for help with their troubles.
Before the Great Patriotic war (World War II), Matrona Dmitrievna lived at the home of the Priest Vasily, the husband of her care-giver Pelagia.
Then Matrona lived in Pyatnitskaya Street, in a summer shed in Sokolniki ; in Vishnyakov Lane in the basement at her niece’s home ; at Nikitskye Gates, in Petrovsko-Razumovskoye ; in Sergiyev Posad (at that time called Zagorsk) at her nephew’s ; and in Tsaritsyno.
Her longest stay was on "the Arbat", from 1942-1949. Here lived E M Zhdanova with her daughter Zinaida. They came from Matrona’s native village. They occupied a room of 48 square metres in an old wooden house. It was that room where icons occupied 3 walls, from the floor to the ceiling. Old icon lamps were hanging in front of the icons. The room was decorated with heavy, expensive curtains. Before the revolution of 1917, the house had belonged to Mrs. Zhdanova’s husband, who was from a rich noble family.
The house on Starokonushensky Lane where Matushka Matrona lived with the Zhdanovas
Hardships
Zinaida Vladimirovna Zhdanova tells about the hardships of Matrona’s life : “I came to Sokolniki to visit Matushka (a Russian affectionate term meaning “dear mother” which is used mostly for the wife of a priest or for a nun, and sometimes for a person such as Matrona). She lived in a small clapboard house that was rented to her for a while. It was late autumn. I came in and I found myself in a cloud of thick and wet steam, which came from an iron stove. I came up to Matushka. She was lying in bed facing the wall. Her hair had frozen to it. We could hardly tear the hair off the wall. I was horrified : “What’s this, Matushka ? You know that I live together with my mother. My brother is at the front and my father is in prison. We have 2 rooms in a warm house, 48 square metres, with a separate entrance. Why didn’t you ask us to host you ?” Matushka sighed and said : “God did not allow me, so that you wouldn’t regret it afterwards”.
Sometimes Matrona would move out in a hurry, when she foresaw an impending trouble. She did it always a day before the militia came to arrest her ; because wherever she lived, she did so without being registered as required. It was a hard and dangerous time, and people were afraid of registering her at their addresses. Therefore, not only did Matrona escape arrests, but she also saved the people she lived with.
Arrests
However, Matrona was nearly arrested many times. Some of those around her were imprisoned or exiled. For example, Zinaida Zhdanova was sentenced as a member of a religious monarchist group.
Once, Matrona Dmitrievna called on her nephew Ivan in her prayer. Ivan lived in Zagorsk (as it was called at that time). Then he went to his boss and he asked for a day off, saying : “I really need to visit Auntie”. He went to her without knowing why. Matrona urged him to take her to his mother-in-law. Right after they left, the militia came. Things like that happened many times.
Once a militiaman came to arrest Matrona but she said : “Go home quickly ! It’s an emergency. I am blind and can’t walk and won’t escape from you”. He believed her and rushed for home. There he found his wife who was accidentally severely burned. He was just in time to take her to hospital. The next day they asked him at work : “Have you arrested the blind one ?” He answered : “I’ll never arrest her. But for her I would have lost my wife”.
While living in Moscow, Matrona paid visits to her village. Sometimes people wanted her to support them. Sometimes she would come just because she missed her mother.
Matronushka and icons
Although she was born blind, Matrona Dmitrievna was always surrounded with icons. In Moscow, in the room in which she lived for a long period, there were icon corners with icons from floor to ceiling, and glowing icon-lamps (lampadas) before them.
One woman who worked in the Church of the Deposition of the Robe in Moscow often came to Matrona. Later, she recalled that Matrona told her, “In your church I know all the icons and where they are”. People were astonished to learn that Matrona had a visual conception of the world, like those with sight. Zinaida V Zhdanova once said sympathetically, “It’s a pity, Matushka, that you can’t see the beauty of the world”, to which Matrona answered, “Once, God opened my eyes and showed me the world and His creation. I saw the sun and the stars in the sky and everything on the earth, the beauty of the earth, mountains, rivers, the green grass, flowers and birds”.
In an even more remarkable example of her clairvoyance, she helped a college architecture student to revise a paper required for graduation by describing in detail some of the great architectural achievements in Florence and Rome, including the Palazzo Pitti.
Zinaida Zhdanova referred to the Blessed Matrona as “the epitome of the angel-warrior incarnate, with sword of fire in hand fighting evil powers”. Matrona was born a Saint, someone who is set apart from other Orthodox Christian zealots. Such holy people are, in their deeds and way of life eventually given the gift of holiness from the Lord. Obviously, this helped her manage the torrent of sorrow and grief that countless visitors inundated her with daily. People who came to her for help were Muscovites and those from other towns, who represented diverse strata of society : some were common folk, others, intelligentsia and military folk. There were very many of them. At times, the Blessed Matrona received up to 40 people a day. At times, she consoled a crying person by taking the person’s head into her hands and simply holding him or her thus, and praying all the while. The person would leave thus fortified spiritually, although just previously having been close to utter despair.
World War II, 1941-1945
During the Great Patriotic War (World War II) of 1941-1945, Matrona told Zinaida Zhdanova that she made invisible visits to the front to help soldiers. During those years, she was often people’s only source of information regarding their relatives and friends. She replied to people’s questions saying : “Alive ! Wait for him (her)” ; or “They’ve died. Arrange for the burial service”.
Zinaida Zhdanova, biographer of Matushka Matrona
Matushka Matrona and Zinaida Zhdanova
Against unclean spirits
Matrona Dmitrievna brought cures to people of various torments imposed on them by demons. Once, 4 men brought an old lady to her, who was waving her arms like a windmill. After Matrona said some prayers over her, the woman grew calm and stopped waving her arms. On another occasion, a lady suddenly began to suffer attacks of epilepsy ; during her attacks, she fell to the floor, foaming at the mouth and squirming and arching convulsively. They brought her to Matrona. Matrona sat tensely, leaning forward and stretching out her little hands, and then pronounced : “Oh, what a big demon they’ve sent into her !” Saying the necessary prayers over the head of the unfortunate possessed woman, Matrona addressed the woman with the words : “I shall not cope with your demon alone. If you help me, then you shall live. You must take Holy Communion every Sunday”. That is what the woman then did.
Matronushka was forced not only to treat the victims of witchcraft, but also to fight with those practicing sorcery. She mentioned frequently that she was waging a struggle against witches and other evil powers, and that the struggle was taking up a lot of her strength. Of sorcerers, Matrona said, “To those who enter willingly into union with the powers of evil, who are dedicating themselves to witchcraft, there is no escape. It is forbidden to go to these old women for counsel – one heals and the other causes harm”. Folk medicine and pagan spiritual practice continued to be widely practiced in Soviet Russia, particularly in the form of fortune-telling and a pagan approach to natural healing. Matrona helped many victims of these practitioners. However, Matrona always insisted that she did nothing of herself, but that it was the Lord who acted through her and who accomplished everything.
The help that Matrona gave to the ill had nothing to do with the ways of charmers, fortune-tellers, and so-called folk healers and other magical dealings, in which the ‘healer’ is in contact with dark forces. Rather, hers was of a true Christian nature (“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). The righteous Matrona was therefore hated by sorcerers, as is witnessed by those who knew her well during the Muscovite period of her life. Above all, Matrona prayed for people. As a righteous one of God, richly endowed with gifts from on high, she asked of the Lord miraculous help for the suffering. Her help was also unmercenary, and she took nothing from anyone.
Consequences of atheism
Militant atheism, the growth of estrangement and malice, the rejection of the traditional Faith by millions of people, and life without repentance led to heavy spiritual consequences. Matrona felt and understood this well. On the days when political demonstrations were held, Matrona urged everyone not to go outside, but to close their windows and doors. Hordes of demons, she said, occupied the entire area, filling the air and troubling people. Perhaps, here, Blessed Matrona, who often spoke allegorically, wanted to remind those around her of the need to guard the ‘windows of the soul’ – as the Holy Fathers sometimes call the senses, from evil spirits.
Thinking about the years after the revolution, Zinaida Zhdanova once asked Matushka, “How can God allow so many churches to be closed and destroyed ?” Matushka replied, “It is the will of God to reduce the number of churches because there will be few believers and no one to serve”. Later, she said,
The people are under hypnosis, they are not themselves, a terrible power has come into being […]. This power exists in the air and penetrates everything. In earlier times, swamps and impenetrable forests were the habitations of these forces because people were going to church, they wore Crosses, and their homes were defended by icons, lampadas (vigil-lamps), and blessings. Before, demons could fly only near these houses, but now they inhabit both houses and people because of unbelief and apostasy from God.
Matushka Matrona
Repose, 1952
Matrona is said to have predicted her own death 3 days in advance, although she continued to accept all visitors during those final days. Matrona Dmitrievna had already given all the necessary instructions regarding her departure. She asked to have her funeral service in the Church of the Deposition of the Robe on Donskaya Street, where the Archpriest Nikolai Golubstov served. She also asked that people not bring plastic flowers and wreaths to her funeral. Until the end, she frequently had confession and Holy Communion. She was very humble ; and, like ordinary sinful people, she was afraid of death, and she did not hide her fear from those who were close to her.
Deposition of the Robe Temple, Moscow, 1952
Matrona Dmitrievna Nikonova fell asleep in the Lord on 19 April/2 May, 1952, in Moscow, during the Paschal season.
The Funeral Services for the Burial of a Lay-person were served for her on 21 April/4 May, 1952 (Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women), at the Church of the Deposition of the Robe on Donskaya Street. The Father Nikolai Golubtsov led the services.
Nuns at the funeral
After the funeral services, her body was interred at the Danilov Monastery (Monastery of Saint Daniel) in Moscow.
Grave of Blessed Matrona, 1952
Matrona Dmitrievna had predicted that several years after her death, her grave would become a site of pilgrimage, and so it happened. She said : “Come close, all of you, and tell me of your troubles as though I were alive”, she said, “I will see you ; I will hear you, and I will come to your aid ; I will pray to the Lord about everyone [...]”. For more than 30 years after Matrona’s repose, her gravesite continued to be one of the holy places of Orthodox Moscow, where people from every corner of Russia and abroad come with their sorrows and sicknesses.
For almost 46 years, the blessed Eldress Matrona remained buried in the Danilovsky cemetery. The grave was well-groomed thanks to the efforts of Antonina Malakhova, in whom was seen in some way Matrona’s continuation. The path to the grave was not overgrown. People came, took sand, prayed, left little notes with requests.
Danilov Monastery Moscow
Danilovsky gravesite
The grave at the Danilovsky Monastery Cemetery
Glorification, 1999, 2004
The Moscow Patriarchate began preparations for the glorification of Matushka Matrona.
On the night of 8 March, 1998, the incorrupt remains of the Blessed Eldress were exhumed. This procedure is formally called “finding the relics” or “uncovering the relics”. It is one of the steps in preparation for formal glorification (although it is not always done).
The official glorification took place on 2 May, 1999, on the 47th anniversary of her repose. Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) led these services.
Procession the Holy Relics, Pokrovsky Monastery, 1999
At that time, Saint Matrona was glorified (canonised) for local Church veneration in the City of Moscow and the Diocese of Moscow as “Saint Matrona of Moscow”.
On 6 October, 2004, Saint Matrona of Moscow was glorified at the Bishops’ Sobor for veneration in the entire Russian Orthodox Church as “Saint Matrona of Sebinsk-Moscow”. When Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) informed the other Autocephalous Orthodox Churches throughout the world of this glorification, her memory began to be observed officially far beyond the borders of Russia.
Feast-days
The principal Feast-day of Saint Matrona is 19 April/2 May, as established by the Patriarchate of Moscow. This is the day both of her repose, and of her glorification in the Moscow Diocese.
The day of the uncovering of the Holy Relics of Saint Matrona is 23 February/8 March. This additional day was blessed through a decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church on 16 July, 2013 (Journal no. 81).
6 October is the day of the Glorification of Saint Matrona by the Holy Synod for the whole Church.
Some keep her memory on 9/22 November, the day on which Saint Matrona was born.
On 23 August/5 September, Saint Matrona is remembered in the Synaxis of the Saints of Moscow.
On 22 September/5 October, Saint Matrona is remembered in the Synaxis of the Saints of Tula.
The Scripture readings for her Feast-day are : Galatians 3:23-29, and Luke 7:36-50.
Tropar Tone 4
Having sprouted in the lands of Tula,
the righteous Eldress Matrona grew up to be an ascetic in the city of Moscow.
From birth, she was in bodily blindness unto the end of her days,
but from God she received abundant spiritual vision, clairvoyance, and the gift of intercession.
Above all, she received the gift of healing,
and she helps in mental and bodily diseases,
those who with faith come to her and ask help from her, our joy.
Kontak Tone 7
O righteous Eldress Matrona,
you were pre-ordained from the womb of your mother to serve Christ our God.
On your path of sorrow and suffering,
you remained faithful and pious.
God heard you, and He appeared to you.
Now, we celebrate your holy memorial.
O righteous and All-blessed Matrona,
who are inundated with love,
remember us ; intercede on our behalf, and help us in the love of God.
Saint Matrona of Moscow
Queue for venerating the Holy Relics
Outdoor service for Saint Matrona
Reflections
At the request of the nuns of the Moscow Pokrovsky Monastery (Holy Women’s Monastery of the Protection of the Mother of God), who cared for her grave, the holy relics were transferred to that monastery. From that time, this monastery became a site of pilgrimage for people not only all across Russia, but from all over the world. The nuns carefully collect and write down all testimonies of miraculous help received by people from the Blessed Matrona. Every day, pilgrims wait in a queue of variable length, but one wishing to venerate her holy relics should be prepared to wait in this queue for as long as 3 hours or more.
Pokrovsky Monastery, Moscow
Reliquary
Patriarch Kirill at reliquary
Small reliquary
Saint Matrona led an ascetic life on her bed of pain. She fasted constantly ; she slept little, her head resting on her chest, and her forehead had a small depression by the innumerable signs of the Cross that she made.
Matushka Matrona did not give sermons ; she did not play the role of a teacher. She gave concrete advice on how to deal with this or that situation, and she always prayed and blessed (in the manner of a lay-person). In general, she was not talkative ; her answers were brief.
The life of Saint Matrona reminds us that we are all called to a life of holiness and that this is possible for us all. She was not a nun ; she never attended a seminary. In fact, she was an illiterate peasant woman who was so filled with the Grace of the Holy Spirit that she was able to see people's needs and sins, to foretell the future, and to perform countless miracles even after her death. The Holy Scriptures teach that when a person is cleansed of his or her sinful passions and is filled with the Holy Spirit, the presence of the Holy Spirit produces certain "gifts" or "fruit", the characteristics of "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). These gifts include the ability to “read” the hearts of people, to perform miracles, and to predict future events. Saint Matrona was immersed or "marinated" in the divine services of the Church. When she was in her village, she spent countless hours in church, along with several hours daily of her own private prayer.
Saint Matrona was an Orthodox Christian in the deep traditional meaning of the word. Her loving compassion for people and her fidelity to the Holy Orthodox Church was the focus of her spiritual life. Her ascetic labour stemmed from the root of centuries of traditional piety, and this is precisely what happens to those who appeal to her for help : they are confirmed in Orthodoxy and a daily life of prayer.
Saint Matrona had commented that because of the apostasy against Lord, and because of the rebellion against Him, people had become vulnerable not only to demonic attack, but also to demonic possession. Not a few people had been thus affected. By her prayers, Saint Matrona brought and brings from the Lord deliverance from this slavery. Her service foreshadowed the fact that it remains a common phenomenon within the Church's service that those persons (usually clergy) with a special blessing and gift continue to bring deliverance to many who are thus afflicted.
Hundreds of thousands of Orthodox people know of Saint Matrona, or ‘Matronushka’ as many Russians lovingly call her. Everyone who asks for her protection and intercession before God with faith and love feels that she helps now, just as she did in her earthly life.
The Blessed Matrona, just like any true Christian zealot, taught people Christianity not so much by words, as by the practical example of her whole life. Physically blind, she taught and she continues to teach people true spiritual vision.
“O Blessed Matrona, who have great boldness before God, intercede for us sinners!”
Saint Matrona of Moscow
Pokrovsky Monastery entrance
Pokrovsky Monastery exterior wall
Akathist to Saint Matrona of Moscow
Kontak 1
Chosen by the Holy Spirit of God from your swaddling clothes, O Blessed Eldress Matrona, you received bodily infirmity and blindness from God for your spiritual cleansing. You were enriched with the gift of foresight and wonder-working, and you have been adorned with an incorruptible crown from the Lord. Therefore, in gratitude we on earth offer unto you crowns wrought from praises, as we cry out :
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Ikos 1
As an angel in the flesh you appeared on the earth, O Blessed Matrona, fulfilling the will of God. Although you were born in bodily blindness, yet the Lord, who makes wise the blind and loves the righteous, enlightened your spiritual eyes, that you might serve His people, and that the works of God be made manifest through you. Therefore, with love we cry unto you such things as these :
Rejoice, you that were chosen by God from infancy ;
Rejoice, you that were covered by the Grace of the Holy Spirit from your cradle ;
Rejoice, you that were enriched with the gift of miracles from childhood ;
Rejoice, you that were filled with wisdom from God on high ;
Rejoice, you that foresaw the will of God through spiritual eyes ;
Rejoice, you that put to shame the wise of this age who are blinded in mind ;
Rejoice, you that lead deluded souls unto God ;
Rejoice, you that are relief from grief and from sorrow ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 2
When you were baptised, O blessed one, the people and the priest beheld a wonderful pillar like smoke above your head, and they smelled a strong fragrance. Astonished, they wondered what this maid was destined to be, whilst singing unto God : Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Being illumined in mind, the priest of God Vasily discerned her whom he baptised to be a vessel of the Grace of God, and called you, O Righteous Matrona, a holy maiden. In our zeal, we bring praises such as these :
Rejoice, you that were made fragrant in the holy font by the Grace of the Holy Spirit ;
Rejoice, you upon whom the sign of the Cross was imprinted on your chest ;
Rejoice, you that are the prayerful one given to the people by God ;
Rejoice, you that are an ever-burning candle, shining before the Lord ;
Rejoice, you that are famous upon earth by the gift of miracles from God ;
Rejoice, you that by your unfading crown are crowned by the Lord in Heaven ;
Rejoice, you that are a herald to sinners of the mercies of God ;
Rejoice, you that refresh the thirsty from the source of living water ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 3
You felt the Power of the Grace of God whilst yet in infancy, O Blessed Matrona. Stretching forth to the holy icons, and with a pure heart and infant lips, you proclaimed praise unto God : Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having from God the gift of foresight from infancy, O blessed mother, you knew the most hidden things in the hearts of those coming to you, telling the future as it were the present. By this, you set many people on the path of righteousness. By this, you glorified God, making wise the blind, and we cry out to you thus :
Rejoice, you that are a wondrous seer ;
Rejoice, you that are a denouncer of hidden sins ;
Rejoice, you that are a bright teacher of darkened souls ;
Rejoice, you that are a merciful guide of them that had gone astray ;
Rejoice, you that are a star pointing the way to the faithful ;
Rejoice, you that are a candle giving light in the darkness of this age ;
Rejoice, you that are a servant of the one God ;
Rejoice, you that by the Grace of the Holy Spirit trample the wiles of the devil ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 4
A storm of bewilderment and confusion in the people concerning your miracles was dispelled ; and those that were made wise by God, who is wonderful in His saints, glorified and praised you, and with thanksgiving sang unto God : Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing how you give help in sicknesses of spirit and body, O Mother Matrona, people came to you with hope ; and, receiving favourable counsel and healing, they gave thanks to God and they sang to you :
Rejoice, you that receive those with a diseased and suffering soul ;
Rejoice, you that bestow peace upon grieving souls ;
Rejoice, you that enlighten those that were in delusions ;
Rejoice, you that are a teacher of piety ;
Rejoice, you that relieve our sorrows ;
Rejoice, you that console in griefs ;
Rejoice, you that are a blessed unmercenary ;
Rejoice, you that are a benevolent healer of diverse ailments ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 5
As a divinely-moving star, O Blessed Mother Matrona, you shone forth in evil times in the land of Russia as a new confessor, and you bore the yoke of Christ boldly and fearlessly throughout your life. Strengthened by the Grace of God, you gave enlightenment to the bewildered, relief to the suffering, and healing to the sick, who thankfully cried unto God : Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing miracles and healings given by you through the Grace of God — the lame walking, the paralytic and bedridden healed, evil spirits cast out of the possessed — many Russian people rushed to you, O Mother, as to an inexhaustible source. They drank from it profusely, and with tender heart they cried out to you thus :
Rejoice, you that were called to the right path from infancy ;
Rejoice, you that are a righteous one bestowed upon us by God ;
Rejoice, you that are a healer of our ailments ;
Rejoice, you that are a speedy helper in our needs ;
Rejoice, you that enlighten us through your inspired advice ;
Rejoice, you that are a quick resolver of our bewilderment ;
Rejoice, you that drive away unclean spirits from the people ;
Rejoice, you that protect us from every evil by your prayer ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 6
The holy and righteous Father John of Kronstadt appeared to be a herald of the holiness and righteousness of your life, O blessed mother, when he saw you in the church, and he called you his heir and the eighth pillar of Russia. All who heard this glorified the Lord, proclaiming to Him : Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Through your prayers, mother Matrona, the light of God's Grace shone in the hearts of them having no knowledge of God and burdened by many sins which angered Him. Seeing the miracles performed by you, they turned to the Lord, crying to you in gratitude thus :
Rejoice, you whose feats glorify God ;
Rejoice, you that reveal to us of the glory of God ;
Rejoice, you that guide the faithless to the right path ;
Rejoice, you that cleanse by your prayers those defiled by sins ;
Rejoice, you that call us to repentance ;
Rejoice, you that admonish us to thank the Lord for all things ;
Rejoice, you that teach us to love the divine Church ;
Rejoice, you that gather the scattered sheep into the sheep-fold of the Church ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 7
Wishing worthily to glorify the Most Holy Lady Theotokos, O Mother Matrona, you ordered the people to have her depicted in the greatly honourable icon called "In Search of the Lost" and to place it in the Temple of God in your village, so that all who look upon the bright face of the Most-Pure One, might tenderly praise her, and to the Lord also cry out : Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Lord gave you as a new protectress, prayerful mediator, and intercessor with God to the Russian people in the hard times when many forsook the holy Church ; and you, O Mother, by word and deed, set the fainthearted and deceived on the right path, and revealed the wonderful miracles of God. Wherefore we hymn you thus :
Rejoice, you that feel ceaseless compassion for the country of Russia ;
Rejoice, you that intercede for our salvation ;
Rejoice, you that move to compassion God the righteous Judge ;
Rejoice, you that protect the diseased and the wronged ;
Rejoice, you that help the weak and the desperate ;
Rejoice, you that are a ceaseless warrior against the spirits of malice ;
Rejoice, you at whom the demon-chiefs tremble ;
Rejoice, you at whom angels and people rejoice ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 8
Strange it was for the weak in faith and the unwise that, although born blind, you could see and know not only the present, but also the future, for they knew not that the power of God is fulfilled in human weakness. And we, O blessed Mother, seeing the wisdom of God manifested in you, cry out to God : Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You bore many vexations and offences, exiles and reproaches, O blessed mother. You did not complain about these, but in all things you gave thanks to God. For these things and for teaching us each with patience to carry our Cross, we praise you thus :
Rejoice, you that prayed without ceasing ;
Rejoice, you that drove away spiritual wickedness by fasting and prayer ;
Rejoice, you that have gained graceful peace ;
Rejoice, you by whose love, many round about you were saved ;
Rejoice, you whose life is of service to many ;
Rejoice, you by whom after your repose people are ever helped ;
Rejoice, you that now fervently heed our petitions ;
Rejoice, you that do not leave them that put their trust in your care ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 9
Your bore all manner of sorrows and diseases, O Mother Matrona, ever leading the struggle with the forces of darkness, denouncing their machinations and guile, and expelling demons from the possessed. Up to the end of your days, you helped them in sufferings, illnesses and grief, ever singing unto God : Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Eloquent orators are not able worthily to glorify your holy life, nor the miracles wrought by you through the power of God, O most marvellous Eldress. And we, wishing by hymns to praise God in His saints, and with heartfelt love inspired, dare to sing to you thus :
Rejoice, you that chose the narrow path and the strait gates ;
Rejoice, you that shone by many virtues ;
Rejoice, you that rejected all in life that is passing ;
Rejoice, you that are adorned with the precious crown of humility ;
Rejoice, you that are a bird of Heaven, that live the Gospel on earth ;
Rejoice, you that followed the Son of God who had not where to lay His head ;
Rejoice, you that rejoice now in the mansions of Paradise ;
Rejoice, you whose mercy is never failing to us sinners who pray to you ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 10
Wishing to save many people from bodily sufferings and spiritual sicknesses, you stayed all night in prayer, O righteous one of God, beseeching of our Lord Jesus Christ help and strengthening for them, as you sang to Him : Alleluia.
Ikos 10
In the days of your life, You were a rampart and protection to all who resorted to you, O Blessed Mother ; and after death you ceaselessly intercede before God for the people who in faith run towards to your tomb. Therefore, hearken now unto us sinners, consumed by sorrows, sickness and many griefs ; and by your prayers, hasten to help all that cry unto you :
Rejoice, you that are a speedy intercessor for the distressed ;
Rejoice, you that are a comforter of those bearing hardships ;
Rejoice, you that are a guardian of worthy marriage ;
Rejoice, you that are a pacifier of all that persist in strife ;
Rejoice, you that are a defender of those brought unjustly to trial ;
Rejoice, you that are a merciful advocate before God for those guilty before an earthly judgement ;
Rejoice, you that are a refuge of them deprived of shelter ;
Rejoice, you that are a protectress of all that call upon you ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 11
You heard angelic singing, O worthy Mother Matrona, whilst yet living on earth. Teach us, the unworthy, how we should glorify God in the Holy Trinity, worshipping the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to whom also the heavenly host unceasingly sing with a great voice : Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Your life shines with luminous light, O Blessed Matrona, enlightening the darkness of this too-busy world, and you draw our souls unto you. Therefore, by the ray of the Grace of God, we will be enlightened, and our mournful way in this temporal life shall pass in a manner pleasing to God. Thus we shall attain unto the Kingdom of God, where you, O Mother, now take up your abode, and you hear our voice calling to you :
Rejoice, you that are an ever-burning candle of God ;
Rejoice, you that are a precious pearl, illuminating us by the light of your holiness ;
Rejoice, you that are a sweet-smelling flower which by the Holy Spirit covers us with fragrance ;
Rejoice, you that are a rock of faith, establishing the fainthearted in piety ;
Rejoice, you that are a bright star pointing out to us the right way ;
Rejoice, you that are a good warrior of Christ, by the sword of prayer frightening demonic hosts ;
Rejoice, you that throughout your life were holy and undefiled ;
Rejoice, you whose death is precious in the sight of the Lord ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 12
The Grace of God, already richly perceived from your cradle, O Blessed Mother, was with you all the days of your life. We believe without doubt that also after your repose this Grace is with you abundantly. Therefore, falling down before you, we pray : do not deprive us who are still wandering on earth of your help and intercession. Beseech the Lord to have mercy on all who sing unto Him : Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing of your many and marvellous wonders, O Mother Matrona, we glorify God who gave you as a staunch pillar of piety and faith to the city of Moscow and to the Russian land in the days of atheism and persecution. Now, O Blessed Mother, with grateful heart we hymn you thus :
Rejoice, you that have attained the peace of Christ in your soul ;
Rejoice, you that led many people about you to God ;
Rejoice, you in whose feeble body, the power of the Grace of God was shown ;
Rejoice, you that in the finding of your honourable relics, the mercy of God to us is revealed ;
Rejoice, you that are a blossom in the assembly of the saints of Moscow ;
Rejoice, you that are a glorious adornment of the city of Moscow ;
Rejoice, you that are a constant intercessor before God for the Russian land ;
Rejoice, you that call all to repentance and prayer for the Russian land ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 13
O Blessed Mother, hear now our hymns of praise which we sing to you, and ask of the Lord Jesus Christ for us the remission of sins, a Christian death, a peaceful repose, a good answer at His dread judgement, and that we may be blessed with you in the dwellings of Paradise to glorify the Holy Trinity, crying out : Alleluia. (This kontak is read thrice)
Ikos 1
As an angel in the flesh you appeared on the earth, O Blessed Matrona, fulfilling the will of God. Although you were born in bodily blindness, yet the Lord, who makes wise the blind and loves the righteous, enlightened your spiritual eyes, that you might serve His people, and that the works of God be made manifest through you. Therefore, with love we cry unto you such things as these :
Rejoice, you that were chosen by God from infancy ;
Rejoice, you that were covered by the Grace of the Holy Spirit from your cradle ;
Rejoice, you that were enriched with the gift of miracles from childhood ;
Rejoice, you that were filled with wisdom from God on high ;
Rejoice, you that foresaw the will of God through spiritual eyes ;
Rejoice, you that put to shame the wise of this age who are blinded in mind ;
Rejoice, you that lead deluded souls unto God ;
Rejoice, you that are relief from grief and from sorrow ;
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Kontak 1
Chosen by the Holy Spirit of God from your swaddling clothes, O Blessed Eldress Matrona, you received bodily infirmity and blindness from God for your spiritual cleansing. You were enriched with the gift of foresight and wonder-working, and you have been adorned with an incorruptible crown from the Lord. Therefore, in gratitude we on earth offer unto you crowns wrought from praises, as we cry out :
Rejoice, O Righteous Mother Matrona, fervent intercessor for us before God.
Prayer to Saint Matrona
O Blessed Matushka Matrona, your soul in Heaven stands before the throne of God ; your body rests upon earth, and you bestow diverse miracles through the Grace given you from on high. Look with your merciful eye upon us sinners who pass our days in sorrows, sicknesses and sinful temptations. Console us who are in despair. Heal our grievous ailments which God allowed because of our sins. Deliver us from many misfortunes and attacks of evil spirits. Beseech our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us all our trespasses, transgressions and falls, and our sins committed from our youth up to the present day and hour. By your prayers, obtain for us Grace and great mercy, that we may glorify the Holy Trinity, One God : Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Tropar, Tone 2
Let us the Faithful today praise the Blessed Eldress Matrona made wise by God ; / flower of the land of Tula, and glorious adornment of the city of Moscow, / for whom daylight was unknown, / but who was enlightened by the light of Christ, and enriched by the gifts of insight and healing. You were a sojourner and wanderer upon earth, / but now in the heavenly chambers, you stand before the throne of God, // and you intercede for our souls.
Kontak, Tone 7
O Righteous Matrona, / you were pre-ordained from the womb of your mother to serve Christ. / On your path of sorrow and trial, / you remained faithful and pious. / God heard you, and He appeared to you. / Now, we venerate your memory. / O Holy Matrona, / who are inundated with love, // remember us, pray for us, and help us in the love of God.
Magnification
We magnify you, O Holy, Righteous, Blessed Matrona, and honour your holy memory, you that pray for us to Christ our God.
[Original translation by Reader Andreas Moran]
Sebino Museum of Saint Matrona
Sebino Museum interior, prayer-corner
References
“Blessed Matrona of Moscow: Saint and Wonderworker”.
“Canonization from below : Two Lives of Matrona of Moscow” (Moscow, 2012. comp. Andrey Zaitsev).
“Life and Miracles of the Holy Righteous Blessed Matrona of Moscow” (Moscow : Pokrovsky Stauropegial Convent, 2002)
“Mother Matrona” (Moscow : Russian Publishing Centre, 2012, comp. N A Kruglyanskaya).
“Saint Blessed Matrona of Moscow” (Moscow : Blagovest, 2016, comp. A A Markova).
“The Life and Miracles of the Righteous Saint Matrona of Moscow” (Moscow : Women’s Monastery of the Protection of the Mother of God, 2000, comp. S V Yudanova).
“The Life of Blessed Matrona of Moscow and Her Miracles in the 19th-21st Centuries” (Kiev, 2005, comp. A Khudoshin).
“Zinaida Zhdanova : Life and miracles of the Blessed Elder Matrona” (Moscow : Siberian Blagozvonnitsa, 2008, comp. Zinaida Vladimirovna Zhdanova).
“Drevo” web-site biography (in Russian)
“Pokrovsky Monastery” web-site biography (in Russian)
Pravoslavie.ru biography “The Life of Blessed Matrona of Moscow”
Biography of Saint Matrona of Moscow : blogspot of 2 May, 2009
Holy Cross ROCOR Monastery, West Virginia, USA : "Saint Matrona of Moscow"
Additional information :
Pehanich, Fr Edward, "The Blind Saint With Sight : St Matrona of Moscow 1885-1952"
Sanidopoulos, John, “Saint Matrona the Blind of Moscow” 3 May, 2012
Shvetsova, Tatyana, “Starting on the royal Path : Blessed Matrona the Blind”
Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Russia
Metropolitans of Moscow 1881-1952
Metropolitan Joannicius (Rudnev) of Moscow 1882-1891
Metropolitan Leontius (Lebedinsky) 1891-1893
Metropolitan Sergius (Lyapidevsky) 1893-1898
Saint Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) 1898-1912
Metropolitan Macarius (Nevsky) 1912-1917
Saint Tikhon (Belavin) 1917-1925
Metropolitan Peter (Polyansky) Patriarchal locum tenens 1925-1937
Patriarch Sergius (Stragorodsky) 1925-1944
Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky) 1945-1970
Repose of blessed Saint Matrona
Wikipedia article about the Monastery of the Intercession (Pokovsky), Moscow
The Matrona of Moscow Museum of the Tula region (in English) [photos of the museum]
Pravoslavie.ru article “Miraculous Help from Blessed Matrona of Moscow in Our Day”
“Testimonies of the Miracles of the Holy Blessed Matrona of Moscow in our Days”
Wikipedia article about the Battle of Kulikovo
Homily of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) on the 65th anniversary of the Repose of Saint Matrona and the 18th anniversary of her Glorification (2 May, 2017)
Article about the 20th Anniversary of the Uncovering of the relics of Saint Matrona of Moscow (including 1 video) (12 March, 2018)
Twentieth Anniversary of the Canonization of the blessed Matrona of Moscow : Interview with Mother Feofania (Miskina) (2 May, 2019)
25th Anniversary of Canonisation of Saint Matrona celebrated in Moscow (13 May, 2024)
Video : Saint Matrona : Recollections of Antonina Malakhova (in Russian)
Video : 4 short video clips concerning Saint Matrona including an interview with Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) (in Russian) (2004-2005)
Video : Metropolitan Nyophytos of Cyprus venerates the Relics of Saint Matrona (5 November, 2012)
Video : “What needs to be done to have help from Matrona ? The miracles of the Holy Matrona, which are recognised even by doctors and scientists ; true stories of healing from cancer and infertility ; how St Matrona helps people to get married happily ; what and how properly to ask Saint Matrona” (in Russian) (2 May, 2017)
Video : The Relics of Saint Matrona brought to Kazan Cathedral, Volgograd for veneration (in English) (27 September, 2017)
Video : Russian TV series of 12 videos about Saint Matrona, Wonderworker (English subtitles) (9 February, 2021)