Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg Icon - S271

Blessed Xenia (pronounced Ksenia) lived in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in the 18th century. Her husband Andrew, a Colonel in the Russian Army, died suddenly when she was 26 years old. Xenia was devastated, as Andrew died while drinking and carrying on with his friends, and she was deeply concerned for his soul. She vanished for eight years, likely going to live in a hermitage.

She later returned to Saint Petersburg, wearing her husband's army uniform and only answering to the name Andrew. She wandered the streets for decades, and was called insane and abused by many. This cross she carried for the sake of her husband's soul, as she mortified herself in his behalf. After some 45 years of ceaseless prayer, she reposed in peace about the year 1800.

Saint Xenia had gifts of prophecy and miracle-working during her life, and these wonders have continued long after her death, and her tomb is a place of pilgrimage to this day. Her intercessions are especially sought for unemployment, homelessness, and for a wayward spouse. Her feast is celebrated on January 24. She is counted as a Fool-for-Christ, a person who deliberately rejects societal norms as a critique, and to hide their own holiness.