St. Macrina lived in Neocaesarea during the persecution of Christians under Galerius in the late third and early fourth centuries. In her childhood, she became acquainted with St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, the first bishop of Neocaesarea, who was responsible for converting the entire Christian population of that city to Christianity.
During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Macrina fled with her husband to the forest near their home. They endured many hardships, but patiently waited and prayed for the persecutions to end. They survived on vegetables and wild game for over seven years. When they were free to return, they discovered that their belongings and property had been taken from them.
She raised her grandchildren in the Christian faith, and St. Basil was one of her favorites. As an adult, he praised her for all the good she had done to him and thanked her for teaching him to love Christ.
St. Macrina survived her husband and died around 340.
St. Macrina is the patron of widows and the impoverished.
Read the book "Keeper of the Light: Saint Macrina the Elder, Grandmother of Saints" by Bev Cooke
To honor St. Macrina on her Feast Day, pray for all those who have lost their husbands.
Prayer of a Widow
Lord Jesus Christ, Who through your mercy, resurrected the only son of the widow in Name; I pray to You in need and all alone, putting my hope in God and asking for help. O You who fulfill our every need and complete everything we lack, grant me faith, courage, love and understanding of Your Will. Remember Your Servant (name of departed) in Your kingdom, always now and forever. Amen
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