Grand Duchess Alexandra - Venerable Anastasia of Kyiv. Prp

Alexandra Petrovna (1838-1900), the eldest daughter of Prince Peter Georgievich of Oldenburg and Princess Theresa, received the name Alexandra Frederick Wilhelmina at Baptism according to the Protestant rite, and adopted from her father, the “Enlightened Benefactor,” as it was written on his monument, the ideals of Christian service to people, which became her life credo. She was born in St. Petersburg, received an excellent upbringing and education. The princess was especially interested in literature, music and drawing. Alexandra inherited the talent of a painter from her mother. According to the recollections of her grandson, Prince Roman Petrovich, “she painted wonderfully, and her paintings were hung in frames on the Znamenka estate.”
Alexandra's childhood years were spent in her parents' palace (Dvortsovaya embankment, 2), where the family lived in the winter, located in one of most beautiful places Petersburg between the Marble Palace and the Summer Garden. Previously, the palace building, built at the end of the 18th century according to the design of an unknown architect, belonged to the famous figure of the era of Catherine II I. I. Betsky and entered the history of St. Petersburg architecture as the “Betsky House”. Contemporaries noted that “the house was the beauty of the capital in its elegant, simple and light architecture.”
Princess Alexandra took care of her younger brothers and sisters. In Eduard Gau's small watercolor "Children of Prince Peter of Oldenburg", painted in 1852, they are depicted sitting in a boat, driven by the brothers Nicholas, Alexander, George and Konstantin. Alexandra carefully holds her youngest sister Teresa in her arms. The seventh, Catherine, settled down at the feet of her older sister.

In this portrait, Alexandra was 14 years old. Her sweet and meek face enchants and captivates with its innocence, purity and girlish charm. The thoughtful, slightly wary look of her wide open eyes, the serious, perhaps even too serious, expression on her face, her whole appearance - everything betrays the nature of a romantic girl, but with strong character, extraordinary, capable of defending her ideals. At this age, young girls from high society begin to go out into the world; new life associated with the need to attend balls, receptions, and receptions. The first exits are especially exciting, memorable and seemingly significant. In the surviving short note from young Alexandra, the most important thing for her seemed to be which of her second cousins ​​she sat next to at a family dinner in the Anichkov Palace. And this is not surprising, since her cousins ​​could well become potential suitors for her. “In December 1853 I dined at the palace for the first time. I sat between Kotey and Sofia. And near Sofia sat Niz (Grand Prince Nikolai Nikolaevich, son of Nicholas I). And the second time we had lunch on the second day of Easter. Then I sat between Nizeu and Michel...” Like all girls, she dreamed of her prince, of high and pure love, love for life. The leader seemed like such a person to her. book Nikolai Nikolaevich (1831-1891), Nizi, as his family called him, the third son of Nicholas I. He studied in the First Cadet Corps, then served in the Life Guards Cavalry Regiment. He successively commanded a brigade, then a division of the Guards Cavalry, and was an inspector general for engineering. Since 1855 he has been a member of the State Council. Tall, very attractive and impressive in appearance, Nikolai Nikolaevich was able to charm the young princess without much difficulty. Therefore, when at one of the receptions he confessed his love to her and proposed his hand and heart, she agreed. This event has an unusual confirmation. In one of the many watercolors by E. Gau with images exquisite interiors Anichkov Palace has a handwritten inscription by Nikolai Nikolaevich: “ The Red Drawing Room, where I proposed in 1855 November 13 – Do you want to make my happiness" And on another watercolor: “ The dressing room of the Empress Mother, where she blessed us in November 1855.».

Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich
Based on the laws of Russia, Princess Alexandra, who was of the Lutheran faith, had to convert to Orthodoxy when she married the son of the Russian Tsar. This complex religious ceremony took place in the church of the Winter Palace. As one of those present noted, “the princess’s obedience during the rituals was especially surprising: she said prayers in a loud voice, lay down on the floor many times and had to kiss the hands of numerous clergy.” There is also a mention of this event in the diary of A. F. Tyutcheva, maid of honor of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna: “Today (December 26, 1855) the young Princess of Oldenburg converted to Orthodoxy, she apparently understood the meaning of this act, which she performed and seemed deeply concentrated . She was dressed in a white satin dress and had her hair done very simply. She looked ugly: excitement reflects badly on her complexion, and this is the only thing good about her. Her facial features are rough and very irregular, but her expression of purity, sincerity and gentleness attracts sympathy for her.”
The engagement reception took place in one of the most beautiful halls Winter Palace - Moorish. Alexandra Petrovna was dressed in a luxurious blue velvet dress, decorated with diamonds, which her mother, the Empress, gave her, and on her head was a tiara with four large emeralds, a gift from the Tsar.
The wedding was celebrated in June 1856 with all the expected members royal family attributes and honors. Alexander II even interrupted his trip to Europe to attend his brother’s wedding. Princess Alexandra Petrovna received the title of Grand Duchess after her marriage, which placed her in rank above her brothers and sisters.
The young married couple first settled in the Winter Palace, in rooms whose windows overlooked the Neva on one side and Palace Square and the Admiralty on the other. All rooms were newly decorated and looked very elegant and elegant. The marriage of Alexandra Petrovna and Nikolai Nikolaevich suited both families in all respects. The Oldenburg family considered it an honor to become related to the new generation of Romanovs, and for Alexander II it was a chance to settle down his brother, known for frivolous love affairs. On this occasion, the same Tyutcheva wrote: “The Emperor and Empress are delighted with this wedding... since Princess Alexandra, a meek, pretty creature, should have a good influence on the prince. We must hope that the Grand Duke will come to his senses in his honorable position as a husband. This is absolutely necessary for him, since he spent his life in the society of his mother’s ladies-in-waiting, which was far from brilliant with intellectual interests.”
At first, the married life of the young couple was successful. A magnificent palace was built for them, designed by the architect A. I. Stackenschneider, called Nikolaevsky, on Blagoveshchenskaya Square.
Nikolai Nikolaevich and his wife also owned the Summer Palace in Znamenka, not far from Peterhof, where the family lived from early spring to late autumn. Alexandra Petrovna was a hospitable and hospitable hostess. Holidays were often held in the city and country palaces, at which almost all the Romanovs usually gathered.
However, despite the successful start to family life, this marriage was not destined to be happy. The brilliant court life did not attract Alexandra Petrovna; she tried to avoid noisy society and attended balls and receptions only if necessary, so as not to violate court etiquette, she dressed very modestly, which often displeased her husband. At times he even envied his cousin led book Konstantin Mikhailovich, whose wife Alexandra Iosifovna loved to shine in society with her beauty and exquisite outfits.
Alexandra Petrovna, raised by her parents in a truly Christian spirit, professed completely different ideals, incomprehensible and seemingly strange to court society. Prince D. A. Obolensky, an intelligent and observant man, had occasion to communicate more than once with both Nikolai Nikolaevich and Alexandra Petrovna. His assessment of the spouses dates back to 1876, before Russia entered the war with the Turks:
“Several corps are mobilizing. Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich was appointed commander-in-chief: I have great hopes for this Grand Duke, I don’t know why. He is said to be a good cavalry general, and his soldiers love him. He doesn’t have much intelligence, but he is simple, without pretensions, and although he is weak in the feminine side and has done a lot of damage to himself, he looks like a good fellow.
Of course, it is impossible to judge his strategic abilities, but if God wants to bless our business, then he will give abilities to those who do not have them, and if the Grand Duke himself did not deserve favors from God, then his wife did. Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna is undoubtedly already in good standing with Him...
This woman is an extraordinary phenomenon. Here in high society they laugh at her, and she gives rise to this, because she treats all secular and courtly decency with open contempt. She appears among the court as some kind of holy fool or blessed one. And she really is like that, and it’s genuine in her. Moreover, she is not just a holy fool, but a Russian holy fool, with all the instincts, tastes and sympathies of the simplest Russian woman. But how much good she does and how she does it - only those who have benefited from her know about it. All this seems so extraordinary to me that I am ready to think that there is something portentous in this eccentricity.”
Nikolai Nikolaevich successfully promoted. In 1859 he was appointed commander of the Guards Corps, in 1864 - 1880. - Commander of the Guard and at the same time Inspector General of Cavalry. During the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. The Tsar appointed the Grand Duke commander-in-chief of the Active Danube Army. For the capture of Plevna and the capture of the army of Osman Pasha and the leader of the Turkish army himself, he received the highest rank of the Russian army - field marshal general and was awarded the Order of St. George 1st degree. Was he an outstanding military leader? Military historians do not have a unanimous opinion on this issue.
Alexandra Petrovna actively participated in public life representatives of their circle. Even before her marriage in 1854, she became a full and honorary member of the Imperial Women's Patriotic Society, as well as a trustee of the 1st Vasileostrovskaya private school on the corner of Maly Prospect and 3rd line. With the financial support of her husband, already in the first years of her family life, Alexandra Petrovna opened a medical center in the village of Znamenka for the surrounding peasants, where she herself conducted consultations, gave out free medicines, made bandages and even visited patients at home. She believed: “The duty of conscience commands me to give everything I have to the realization of my ideal. Since childhood, I have been close to patients and loved them. I saw the example of my unforgettable parents..."
In 1858, Alexandra Petrovna, with the support of her husband, founded the Intercession Community of Sisters of Mercy in the galley harbor of Vasilievsky Island and became its trustee. The community's goal was to train experienced nurses and educate poor and street children. Widows and girls of the Orthodox faith of all classes aged 17 to 40 were accepted into the department of sisters of mercy. At the end of their training, the sisters took an oath in which they swore to serve with sincere mercy, humility, selflessness and love for their neighbors. The Community's medical personnel were always ready to be sent to the theater of operations in the event of war and to provide necessary assistance to the population in times of social or natural disasters. At the Community, they opened an orphanage for 65 children, a department of the Sisters of Charity, and built a hospital, which opened on November 1, 1859. Since 1860, visiting local residents were admitted free of charge, and they were also provided with free medicines.
Her daughter’s charitable activities were approved by her father P. G. Oldenburgsky. In a letter dated July 12, 1856 from Wildbad (Germany), where he was undergoing treatment, the prince wrote: “I am so glad that you are doing good to your peasants. Please arrange a school for them. God will reward you for this...” During the Russian-Turkish war of 1877 - 1878. Alexandra Petrovna on own funds organized a sanitary detachment, and “in the palace of her husband, the Commander-in-Chief of the southern army, halls are open to everyone who wants to work for free to help the wounded; A large number of representatives of high society gather in these halls every day. On holidays, many girls from shops and sewing workshops work in these halls.”
Until 1881, the Grand Duchess was the chairman of the Council of Orphanages of the Department of Institutions of Empress Maria Feodorovna. Thanks to her care, a capital was built up, which reached 2 million rubles in the 90s. This money supported 23 large shelters: 21 in St. Petersburg, one in Tsarskoe Selo and one in Peterhof. They cared for up to 5 thousand orphans.
The married life of Nikolai Nikolaevich and Alexandra Petrovna after the birth of their second son Peter in 1864 (the first son Nikolai was born in 1856) went wrong. The Grand Duke became interested in the dancer E. G. Chislova, with whom he had four children. This relationship turned out to be so serious that it continued until Chislova’s death in 1889.
Discord in the family and a serious illness prompted Alexandra Petrovna to leave St. Petersburg. The disease overcame her after an accident when, during a trip in a carriage, the horses carried and overturned the carriage. She was severely injured, which subsequently affected her health - her legs gave out. Doctors recommended treatment in the south. In 1879, the Grand Duchess left St. Petersburg, as it turned out, forever. On the way, she stopped in Kyiv, where she lived in the Imperial Travel Palace. Alexandra Petrovna spent almost a year and a half - from November 1880 to July 1881 - abroad, trying to restore her health. For some time she lived in Naples and on the island of Corfu. The island of Corfu with its unique climate had a beneficial effect, but the disease did not completely recede.
In June 1881, Alexandra Petrovna, on a steamboat, accompanied by Rear Admiral Golovachev, made a stop off the coast near the Athos Monastery. Alexandra Petrovna could not visit the Holy Mountain, since women were prohibited from visiting this monastery. But they visited her on the ship Athonite elders, in conversation with whom she found consolation and strengthening of her spiritual strength. The brethren of the Russian Ilyinsky monastery on the Holy Mountain, through the mediation and participation of Archimandrite Macarius, abbot of the Panteleimon Monastery, turned to Alexandra Petrovna with a request to lay the first stone in the foundation of the cathedral church, which they planned to build on the site of the old one that had been damaged by the earthquake. “The Grand Duchess graciously agreed to this, and on June 22 sent a stone with a decent inscription, instructing Rear Admiral Golovochev, who accompanied her, to place it on her behalf at the foundation of the cathedral. Thus, with the help of God, the foundation stone of the cathedral was completed. The cathedral will have two altars: the main altar is in the name of the prophet Elijah, the side altar is in the name of the holy martyr Queen Alexandra. Leaving the shore of Mount Athos, Her Imperial Highness wished to see the monastery. The steamer stopped opposite him. The abbot and the brethren hurried onto the ship, taking with them the most important shrine of the monastery - the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Mammal" and the holy relics - the foot of the holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Her Highness reverently venerated the shrine and left the shores of Athos, guided by the fervent prayers and well-wishes of the Russian inhabitants of the Holy Mountain.”
After returning from abroad, a separate house was rented for Alexandra Petrovna in the aristocratic Lipki district of Kyiv. Despite all the efforts of the doctors and her own, she was never able to move independently. Left alone with her illness, spending her life alone, confined to a wheelchair, Alexandra Petrovna found solace in prayers and reading the Psalter, which she called “the source of eternal joy.” After much thought, she decided to stay in Kyiv forever, which meant a break in marital relations. It was a bold step, but how could she come to terms with the betrayal and open bigamy of her husband, who violated both her feelings and his faith, deeply wounding her soul! Alexandra Petrovna’s moral suffering further aggravated her physical illness.
Having made a decision, she finally settled in Kyiv, bidding farewell to the capital forever. Here Alexandra Petrovna completely devoted herself to serving God and people. She began to implement the idea that captivated her—the idea of ​​“living monasticism.”
In the 19th century, in church circles, in connection with the development of populist ideals, the idea of ​​“living monasticism” arose, which implied not only the strictest adherence to the monastic rules of St. Savva the Sanctified and Theodore the Studite, but also practical service to suffering humanity. The idea of ​​living monasticism found a response both among representatives of the clergy, monasticism, and church intelligentsia, as well as among believers who decided to take monastic vows, of which there are many examples. A representative of Warsaw high society, Countess Efimovskaya founded the Lesninsky Mother of God Monastery in the Warsaw province with educational institutions and a hospital to provide free medical care to the surrounding peasants. In Estonia, the Virov Convent of the Kholm region, as well as the Pukhtitsky Assumption Convent with a school, hospital, and public library, became famous for their extensive activities. Monasteries carried out great charitable work, carrying out the mission of mercy and education. Among them are the Pereyaslavl Feodorovsky Convent of the Vladimir Diocese, the Pechenga monastery Arkhangelsk province, other monasteries, including the Holy Trinity-Sergius Lavra, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, as well as the Holy Trinity Sergius Primorskaya men's hermitage near St. Petersburg
Alexandra Petrovna became a champion of living monasticism. She wanted “our monasteries, while maintaining strict paternal rules and commandments, to be nurseries of enlightenment and charity in all forms... Living monasticism is the banner that is so dear to my heart, she stated in one of her letters. “No monastic vows or rules prevent one from loving one’s neighbor as oneself, serving the sick, or feeding the poor.”
In a picturesque corner of Kyiv - Lukyanovka, on the high slope of Voznesenskaya Mountain, Alexandra Petrovna bought a large estate with an area of ​​​​six acres from the merchant Dikovsky, paying for this land plot from personal funds 50,000 rubles. Here she founded the Holy Protection Convent (1889). The basis of the monastic Rule was a combination of monastic feat and caring for the sick. In five months, the Church of the Intercession was built on the territory of the monastery, and in a short period of time a whole town grew here. Everything was created under the personal supervision of the Grand Duchess. She herself drew up plans for new buildings, bills for the construction and maintenance of all the institutions of the monastery, and there were many of them: a hospital with therapeutic and surgical departments, a pharmacy with free distribution of medicines, a shelter for the blind and incurable patients, a hospital for visitors - the largest in the south. western region, a school for orphan girls, a shelter for chronically ill women, barracks for infectious patients, a morgue, laundries, canteens and kitchens.
It was financially difficult to maintain such a large farm. Alexandra Petrovna sold her grand-ducal jewelry and invested the proceeds in the construction and equipment of hospitals. She also wanted to sell the most expensive item to her - a gift from Alexander II for her wedding - a large emerald. True, a buyer was never found, because the cost of the stone was very high. Alexander III, who treated his aunt very warmly, upon learning of her intentions, ordered to buy the emerald. More than once he financially supported Alexandra Petrovna in her noble cause. This probably happened often, since it began to cause indignation among officials at the Ministry of Finance. Secretary of State A. A. Polovtsev noted on this occasion that “V. K. Alexandra Petrovna made 450 tr. debt and that now the Ministry of the Court does not know what to do, this debt is all the less forgivable because, in addition to her usual maintenance, she receives 14 thousand rubles monthly, assigned to her by the late sovereign.”

Venerable Anastasia of Kyiv (Princess Alexandra of the Tsar's family)

Thanks to this indirect evidence, we see what kind of funds Alexandra Petrovna needed to organize her institutions. Her daughter-in-law, Grand Duchess Militsa Nikolaevna, recalled that during a visit to the monastery, Alexandra Petrovna, showing her her household, explained: “This building is my earrings, here is my necklace, and all my rings went here.”
In 1889, she moved to live in a new monastery, where she changed her usual environment to a monastic one, occupying a one-room cell. Alexandra Petrovna put on monastic attire; apparently, around the same time she took monastic vows with the name Anastasia, but this became known only after her death, after the opening of her spiritual will. In her office there was a miraculous icon of the Pochaev Mother of God - a gift from her father. Praying before her, the Grand Duchess received healing: she was brought to the monastery monastery on a cart, and here she began to walk, as if resurrected for a new life, justifying her new name (Anastasia, from Greek - resurrected).
Life and order in the monastery were organized according to strict monastic rules; despite this, the number of people wishing to enter there in the first year was 400 people, while the monastery could only accept 150 nuns. The sisters' entire lives were spent in prayer and labor. The Grand Duchess herself spent many hours in the hospital, sometimes standing on sore legs for 5-6 hours, assisting the surgeon. She took upon herself all supervision over the preparation of patients for operations, cleaning of operating rooms, and duty at the beds of operated patients at night. Supervision over the order in the hospital, over the work of the nurses in the hospital, over the nutrition of the sick, over their spiritual life was also borne by the “Great Mother,” as she was lovingly called. Alexandra Petrovna treated the doctors cordially, encouraged them like a mother, tried to help them in life, and trusted their professionalism. It was not for nothing that she herself underwent more than one operation at the monastery hospital.
At the Intercession Monastery, Alexandra Petrovna opened a modern hospital for the poor with the only x-ray room in Kyiv, established a free pharmacy, a school and a shelter for orphan girls, shelters for terminally ill women and for the blind.
In 1898, a congress of naturalists and doctors was held in Kyiv. They visited medical institutions, including the hospital of the Intercession Monastery, which amazed Warsaw professor M. Zenz with its equipment and order: “Each office is equipped with all the necessary supplies for its specialty. Cleanliness, light, air and, if you like, luxury leave nothing to be desired. I counted 12 of all offices, in which, judging by the list, they see 20 doctors. One of the offices is designed for doctors to relax and is furnished as the offices of rich people are furnished.
All the duties of the sisters of mercy at this outpatient clinic are performed by nuns...
By the way, the hospital has the only room in Kyiv for taking photographs with X-rays, serving the purposes of not only this, but also other Kyiv hospitals.”
Anastasia of Kiev was a strict faster, lived in a simple cell, donating all her funds to the maintenance of the institutions she founded. In 1897, the Grand Duchess prevented a typhus epidemic in Kyiv by organizing several specialized hospitals. Until 1894, when the Grand Duchess’s health began to deteriorate and she herself needed surgery, Alexandra Petrovna was present at all monastery services, she herself read the Six Psalms, the hours, and the canon.
Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna laid the foundation for the creation of the monastery with its numerous medical and charitable institutions, with the activities of the monastery sisters for the benefit of neighbors and suffering people. new era in the cultural significance of monasteries in Rus'.
The “Princess” monastery, as the Intercession monastery was called, had missionary and educational significance: there were bookstores and icon shops, large editions of religious and moral sheets were published, placed in the monastery of the Stundist sectarians, thanks to gentle treatment and conversations with the Grand Duchess, they returned after some time to Orthodoxy.
In 1894, the Mezhigorsky Monastery, transformed into a women’s monastery in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord, was annexed to the Intercession Monastery. In 1896, during the visit of the saints Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, a cathedral was founded in the Intercession Monastery in the name of St. Nicholas based on the design of Grand Duke Peter Nikolaevich. With funds donated by the emperor in 1897-1898. a new hospital building was opened and medical equipment was improved.

In 1890, her husband Nikolai Nikolaevich became seriously ill and left for Crimea in the hope of recovery. But the disease progressed, he did not recognize anyone, refused food, and suffered from fits of violence. Nikolai Nikolaevich died in Alupka in April 1891. He was buried in the grand-ducal tomb of the Peter and Paul Cathedral. Alexandra Petrovna did not come to the funeral, for which many condemned her. However, she felt sorry for her former husband and was aware of his serious illness, as evidenced by her letters to her son Peter Nikolaevich dated October 16, 1890: “Dear dear Peter! ...Your poor father’s health is irretrievably ruined, this is the opinion of the doctors - and with this disease you can live for a long time, slowly falling into complete idiocy. I am burdened by the thought that in the present situation we have not yet grasped the moment for communion of his Holy Sacraments. I pray to the Lord that the All-merciful One will grant a peaceful, Christian death to the poor sufferer, not a physical sufferer, for there is probably no such suffering. Today my brother Alek left Alupka, he will tell you all the details” ... In a letter dated May 11, 1891: “In 40 days after the death of your parent, I propose to have a Bishop’s funeral service. She set up a special psalter, where the psalter about the repose of the soul of the newly departed is continuously read day and night. At every liturgy there is also a litany and a memorial service every day.
Give alms for the repose of the soul of your Parent. It’s better to dine at a cheaper restaurant and feed the poor for the repose of his soul. I wrote to Nikolasha, asking you to donate something to the monastery for commemoration. I can’t give numbers - alms are freedom. The Lord accepts zeal and purity of thought, and not the amount of money.”
Most of all, she was tormented by the fact that he, having fallen into madness, did not have the opportunity to consciously confess and partake of the Holy Sacraments before his death.
The sons of Alexandra Petrovna and the Romanov relatives supported her ascetic activity morally and financially and repeatedly visited the Kiev Holy Protection Monastery. Nicholas II, who visited “Aunt Sasha” with his wife in 1896, did not ignore his unusual relative. He donated to the expansion of the hospital a large sum and ordered the release of 80 thousand rubles from the treasury annually. for the maintenance of the monastery. During this visit by the royal couple, in their presence, the foundation stone was laid for a cathedral church in the name of St. Nicholas, the preliminary design of which was prepared by Pyotr Nikolaevich, the youngest son of Alexandra Petrovna.
Alexandra Petrovna and Nikolai Nikolaevich had two sons. Senior - led. book Nikolai Nikolaevich Jr. (1856-1929) was born in St. Petersburg, received a good initial education at home, studied at the Nikolaev Engineering School, at the Nikolaev Academy of the General Staff, from which he graduated with a silver medal. He had an excellent military career, first world war Nicholas II appointed him Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army. He was married to the daughter of the King of Montenegro, Anastasia Nikolaevna, and had no children. After the revolution, the Grand Duke emigrated and lived in France, where he died at the age of 72.
Vel. book Pyotr Nikolaevich (1864-1931) was also born in St. Petersburg. Army service did not attract him, although he devoted more than 10 years to it, serving in engineering units. His vocation was painting and architecture. Due to poor health, he retired in 1895 and settled on his Dulber estate in Crimea. At the age of 25, Pyotr Nikolaevich married Militsa Nikolaevna, the daughter of the Montenegrin king, his grandchildren are alive - Nikolai (b. 1922), a historian by training, living in Rome, currently the head of the Romanov house and Dmitry (b. 1926), financier, lives in Copenhagen.
Alexandra Petrovna died quietly at 1 hour 20 minutes. nights from 12 to 13 April. It’s amazing that this happened on the same day, hour and even minutes, like her husband’s. book Nikolai Nikolaevich nine years earlier. On April 13, the Imperial Manifesto, given in Moscow, was published, announcing the death of Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna, nun Anastasia. With the special permission of Nicholas II, she was buried in the monastery cemetery, fulfilling the will of the deceased herself, expressed in her will dated March 11 (23), 1889. “I humbly ask my Most Powerful Father and Benefactor to allow me to bury my body on the eastern side of the temple Holy Mother of God in my monastery in Kyiv in the open air, without making any adaptation in the ground, in a simple pine coffin... I ask you to perform my funeral service without any worldly glory, vanity and without any wreaths and flowers. At burial and generally after my death, I ask that you call me Alexandra, the servant of God, or some other name, if I am ever honored with monastic vows.
I ask you to place a very small and cheapest stone cross over the grave, embedding in it an icon of the Queen of Heaven, which I received on Mount Athos, the work of Hierodeacon Lucian - on the cross there is an inscription: here lie the ashes of God’s servant Alexandra...”

Despite political upheavals and war, the Holy Intercession Monastery survived, and the grave of the Great Mother was also preserved. And today there are always fresh flowers on it, and on the stone cross there is the inscription: “Nun Anastasia.” The nuns of the monastery sacredly honor the memory of nun Anastasia, Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna, Princess of Oldenburg. The descendants of Alexandra Petrovna visit her grave to bow to this wonderful woman and, if possible, support the existence of the monastery she founded.
Paying tribute to the ascetic activity of the Grand Duchess, her unparalleled Christian feat, Professor Sikorsky will write after her death: “Her modest grave will become a people's shrine, because She performed a great service to the Russian people. Kyiv will bring Her prostration, because She created glory for it, choosing it as the place of her high life and deeds.
The Russian woman will bow before Her, because in Her person the idealism, mercy and service of a woman to her highest duty have found their full realization. She set an example of a Merciful sister of the Russian people... Bow to Her from all the living!”
The asceticism of Alexandra Petrovna is an example of selfless and true service to a high idea. She was a truly happy person, as she could give other people the happiness of gaining health, the happiness of finding the meaning of life, the happiness of realizing the benefits and necessity of her work. “You need to be able to carry happiness within yourself in order to make others happy. You have to stick to the idea."

From the magazine No. 64 of the meetings of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate dated November 24, 2009:

At a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church chaired by His Beatitude Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine
WE LISTENED to the report of His Grace John, Archbishop of Kherson, Head of the Commission for the Canonization of Saints of the UOC, on the canonization of the founder of the Holy Intercession Convent of the city of Kiev, ascetic of piety nun Anastasia (Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna Romanova) as a locally venerated saint of the Kiev diocese.
Having analyzed the life, works, miracles and taking into account the popular veneration of the ascetic of piety nun Anastasia (Romanova)
DECIDED:
1) Bless the local glorification and veneration of nun Anastasia (Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna Romanova).
2) Approve the iconographic image of the saint
3) Approve the submitted drafts of the troparion and kontakion of the holy Venerable Anastasia of Kyiv.
4) The remains of the saint are considered holy relics
5) Commemorate the Holy Venerable Anastasia on Thursday Holy Week and on the day of the discovery of her relics October / November 2
6) Bring thanks to the All-Merciful God, wondrous in His saints, for revealing to us a new prayer book for the Holy Church and our people.

Akathist to the Venerable Grand Duchess Anastasia of Kyiv

Kontakion 1
Chosen from the royal family to serve in monastic rank the Heavenly King and glorify God with wondrous feats of mercy, Anastasia, our reverend mother, sing a song of thanksgiving. But you, who have boldness towards the Lord, free us from all troubles and turn our hearts to Christ, crying out to you:

Ikos 1
Having become jealous of the angelic residence, the Grand Duchess imputed all the blessings of the world to her mind, and gained Christ. Moreover, after your death, you received heavenly joy, O most praised mother. Now look mercifully from the heights upon us, so magnify you who dare:
Rejoice, blessed branch of the king;
Rejoice, glorification of the faithful princesses.
Rejoice, thou who was caught in the depths of Christ from a young age;
Rejoice, chosen one of the Queen of Heaven.
Rejoice, taught by good parents to do good;
Rejoice, you who were guided by those on the path of virtues.
Rejoice, fulfiller of the Lord's commandments;
Rejoice, zealot of piety.
Rejoice, hearer of the poor;
Rejoice, caretaker of the grieving.
Rejoice, image of mercy;
Rejoice, source of compassion.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 2
You saw, blessed princess, a beauty that surpassed all false wisdom of Orthodoxy, and when you promised to be the wife of the Tsar’s son, then you became engaged to the Heavenly Bridegroom in the truer faith, singing to him with a pure heart: Hallelujah.
Ikos 2
With a God-enlightened mind, while still living in the world, you rushed to Christ and in the city of St. Peter you established the Intercession community of mercy, O merciful mother. You had your servants, like your companions, who endured mockery and reproaches from the proud world. In the same way, teach us humility, who call you:
Rejoice, you who loved Orthodoxy with all your heart;
Rejoice, having embraced pure faith with all your soul.
Rejoice, you who have transformed true faith into works of mercy;
Rejoice, you who glorified Christ with your labors.
Rejoice, fragrant flower of Orthodoxy;
Rejoice, chosen vessel of the Lord.
Rejoice, decoration of the Russian Church;
Rejoice, vegetation of the mountainous Jerusalem.
Rejoice, thou who walked the blameless path;
Rejoice, you who have acquired a good conscience in everything.
Rejoice, imitator of Christ's love;
Rejoice, kind servant of the common people.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 3
By a power from above, a grave temptation befell you; you were thrown from the chariot to the ground by horses, but by a wondrous miracle and the Providence of God you remained alive. Moreover, having seen the strong hand of the Lord in this, you thought, venerable one: “If I have received good things from God, will I not endure the evil ones?”, and you cried out to Christ with gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having great faith in the Providence of God, your soul is alien to grumbling, O most honorable mother, and, like gold in a furnace, the Lord has tested you with sorrows and long-term illness. You, not expecting healing for yourself, you said a heartfelt prayer, constantly praising the Almighty God who saved you. For this reason, accept this singing from us:
Rejoice, lamb, who bravely endured the wiles of the evil one;
Rejoice, you who took up the cross of illness with meekness.
Rejoice, freed from the vanity of the world by illness;
Rejoice, abandoned by earthly doctors.
Rejoice, having Christ as your consolation;
Rejoice, you who sang him in psalms.
Rejoice, you who called the Psalter a source of joy;
Rejoice, you who diligently applied yourself to the Jesus Prayer.
Rejoice, compassionate and compassionate to the suffering;
Rejoice, diligent prayer book for those who are discouraged.
Rejoice, healing of sick bodies;
Rejoice, hope for desperate souls.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 4
Moved by a storm of bewilderment, long-suffering mother, you went to the southern countries for treatment for your illness, otherwise nothing can heal you. On the way back to the Russian land, you wanted to bow to Mount Athos, calling on the Most Pure Lady of this inheritance: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The elders of the Athos of St. Panteleimon of the Russian monastery heard that a ship with the Grand Duchess was approaching, descending upon the meeting and seeing you as a humble servant of Christ, they were greatly surprised at your good behavior. With them, we, the poor, bring you the following praise:
Rejoice, thou who hast flown to the garden of the Mother of God;
Rejoice, you who brought strong faith to her feet.
Rejoice, bee, who has collected the nectar of divine wisdom;
Rejoice, you who composed it in your heart.
Rejoice, thou who hast exuded the sweet honey of love for God;
Rejoice, you who have revealed the wondrous beauty of the soul.
Rejoice, doe, who quenched your thirst at the Athos shrines;
Rejoice, you who offered reverent prayers before them.
Rejoice, you who founded the majestic temple in Ilinstem Skete;
Rejoice, you who diligently honored the prophet Elijah.
Rejoice, faithful novice of the Heavenly Abbess;
Rejoice, warm First Monk of the disciple.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 5
We behold the godly star bestowed upon the city of Kyiv, O wonderful mother, as if upon your arrival in your native country you settled in it. And here, sick in body, in the silence of prayer with your sisters, observing the rule of monastic life, you taught them to chant to the King of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the corruption of this world, the God-loving princess, you wanted to serve God in angelic form. Having found a deserted place and having understood the prophetic words of St. Theophilus about it, you laid the foundation of the Pokrovsky monastery. We, marveling at the miracles of Christ, cry out to you:
Rejoice, you who came to the holy city of Kyiv for salvation;
Rejoice, you who bore sorrows with thanksgiving.
Rejoice, you who were in trouble, who did not lose heart;
Rejoice, you who always desired to serve God.
Rejoice, thou who has escaped the snares of the passionate world;
Rejoice, you who rejected the flattering enemy’s excuses.
Rejoice, foretold creator of the monastic monastery;
Rejoice, you appeared to Kyiv at a good time.
Rejoice, thou who has created an empty and wretched place, like a paradise;
Rejoice, you who planted the monastic tree there.
Rejoice, you who watered this tree with your tears;
Rejoice, you who have increased his labors by many.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 6
After your arrival in the monastery, you appeared as a preacher of the good deeds of the Lord, you, holy mother, poured out your sorrow for the infirmity that tormented you before the Pochaevskaya Icon of the Mother of God, and miraculously healed from your sick bed you rose, crying out to the Healer of our souls and bodies: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The grace of God has risen, like a bright dawn, in your soul, reverend mother, bless the Most Pure Lady the good desire of your heart and grant you secret tonsure at the hands of the elder of Athonite, for whom you were called Anastasia in the nuns. For this reason, we sweetly praise you:
Rejoice, healed by the Queen of Heaven;
Rejoice, numbered among the monastic countenance.
Rejoice, henceforth betrothed to Christ;
Rejoice, Anastasia, that is, the resurrection, who was named.
Rejoice, you who carefully observed the secret of tonsure;
Rejoice, you who humbly called yourself a novice.
Rejoice, church zealot of the charter;
Rejoice, for all sad people.
Rejoice, thou who thirsted for monastic deeds;
Rejoice, you who were jealous of the life equal to the angels.
Rejoice, nun's mentor;
Rejoice, intercessor for your monastery before the Lord.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to combine monastic feats with love for the suffering, you, merciful mother, have established hospitals and shelters for the poor and orphans in your monastery, using all your wealth for this purpose. You have acquired Christ, like an inestimable treasure, by singing to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The new grace of autumn, the city of Kyiv, when people from all Rus' flowed to the Princess's monastery, for the sake of salvation of the soul, or in illness and sorrow, I resorted to you, God-wise mother. And no one is tired and inconsolable when you leave. Do not forget us now, who joyfully cry out to you:
Rejoice, cup, pouring out currents of God’s mercy;
Rejoice, you who wipe away every tear from the face of the sick.
Rejoice, thou who has chosen obedience in the medical profession;
Rejoice, you who begged the Heavenly Doctor for the sick.
Rejoice, you who laid down your soul for your neighbors;
Rejoice, as you served them like Christ Himself.
Rejoice, good education for orphans;
Rejoice, there is speedy help for the poor.
Rejoice, good comforter of the blind;
Rejoice, enlightener of the lost.
Rejoice, you who sought a helping hand from taxes to everyone;
Rejoice, you who contained human sorrow in your heart.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 8
This vision is strange to the world: the Grand Duchess, like a simple nun, works in her monastery with the latter and strictly observes the church rules, reaching out to God with unceasing prayer. We pray to you, the saint of Christ, teach us to strive in simplicity and humility, and cry out unfeignedly to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All those near and far, Mother of the Great, you, Anastasia, the most praiseworthy Princess. The saints of your relatives, Tsar Nicholas and Queen Alexandra, visited you and founded a wondrous temple in the monastery of the Veils. With them we too, touched by the humble greatness of your soul, thus please you:
Rejoice, holy relative of the Royal Passion-Bearers;
Rejoice, dear mother of all those left behind.
Rejoice, ready to embrace the whole world with love;
Rejoice, cheerful toiler who was never exhausted.
Rejoice, for your hospitals were the beauty of Russia;
Rejoice, for you have surprised the Sovereign with your good dispensation.
Rejoice, for your physicians have been named in the name of the Tsar;
Rejoice, for I am ever multiplied by these royal bounties.
Rejoice, you who erected a magnificent temple to St. Nicholas;
Rejoice, you who did not spare yourself in your unceasing labors.
Rejoice, lover of monastic poverty;
Rejoice, benefactor of the whole country.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 9
Thinking about your death every day, reverend, you preserved the wretched coffin, like a red palace, for a long summer. Having prepared your soul by heartfelt repentance and communion of the Holy Mysteries, you most of all desired to be united with Christ in eternal life, crying out to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The worldly wisdom will not be able to express how the Risen Lord has called you to the celebration of the eternal Pascha from the earthly abode to the heavenly abode, where you now enjoy the sight of the Sweetest Christ. Remember us there, O righteous mother, who bring you this:
Rejoice, thou who passed away in a pious course of life;
Rejoice, having driven out the fear of death through love for God.
Rejoice, having worshiped the Cross of Christ in your life;
Rejoice, crucified with Christ the Lover of Mankind.
Rejoice, you who through your life spent the imperishable robe of reverence;
Rejoice, having betrayed your spirit into the hands of the Lord.
Rejoice, thou who fell asleep in the flesh, but rose again in soul;
Rejoice, pure dove, flying to the sky.
Rejoice, fragrant incense, brought to God from your monastery;
Rejoice, beautiful creature, planted in paradise.
Rejoice, you who appeared before the throne of God on the days of Easter;
Rejoice, “Christ is risen!” who called in the villages above.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 10
Desiring to save the sheep of words, Blessed Anastasia, until the end of her life you did not cease to shepherd your flock, betrothed to Christ, protecting it from fierce wolves. And now, after your departure, having boldness towards God, make intercession for our souls, calling to him: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
In times of fierce persecution against the Church of Christ, your intercession appeared as a strong wall for the monastery of the Covers, O all-honorable mother. You diligently prayed in heaven to God, inclining to His mercy, to preserve this holy monastery from desecration. Now we, reverently honoring you, gratefully proclaim:
Rejoice, founder of the Pokrovsky monastery on earth;
Rejoice, you are a silent representative in heaven about her.
Rejoice, who did not leave us after your departure;
Rejoice, thou who desirest to save every soul.
Rejoice, thou who invisibly drives away our enemies;
Rejoice, intercessor of those who ask for your help.
Rejoice, meek accuser of sinners;
Rejoice, strong keeper of the shrine.
Rejoice, you who mercifully look down on us from heaven;
Rejoice, you who teach us to fulfill the commandments of Christ.
Rejoice, you who convince us to endure everything for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven;
Rejoice, you who fulfill our request at the grave.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 11
Singings of gratitude to the Queen of Heaven continually rise in your monastery, holy mother, glorifying the endless bounties of the Lord and your constant care for us, the unworthy. However, we are perplexed and worthy of praising you, venerable one, with a tender soul we cry out to Christ for you: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You appeared as a light-receiving light from the Source of miracles of Christ our God, O wondrous mother, driving away the darkness of unbelief. Protecting the Church of the Intercession from the slander of the wicked, as if a formidable nun appeared in it, admonishing lost people. We, magnifying all your miracles, will write down to you like this:
Rejoice, strict observer of the holy temples;
Rejoice, guardian of your monastery forever.
Rejoice, thou nun, who was in illness, and who consoled her with her appearance;
Rejoice, you who commanded to have mercy on the sick.
Rejoice, you who gave healing to the poor old woman;
Rejoice, you who brought your daughter back to life by a desperate parent.
Rejoice, thou who miraculously nourished the hungry youth;
Rejoice, you who chose him as a preacher of your goodness.
Rejoice, champion of the right faith and church unity;
Rejoice, all-merciful intercessor of the meek.
Rejoice, you who diligently help those who call upon you;
Rejoice, our hope does not put us to shame.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 12
The grace of God was abundantly poured out on your monastery, Reverend Anastasia, when your power, like precious beads, was found, and you, beloved mother, returned to your children again. Let us rejoice and rejoice over such mercy of the Lord and, thanking him, let us all exclaim: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing the discovery of your honest and multi-healing relics, our mother, all nuns and faithful people greeted you with bright lights and hearts burning with love. In the same way, now we please you and ask you with many tears: pray to the Savior Christ, so that the message of destinies will save our souls. Desiring this, hoping for this, with one mouth and one heart we cry to you:
Rejoice, numbered among the venerables;
Rejoice, O luminary, kindled before the Lord.
Rejoice, ray of unevening Light;
Rejoice, harbinger of endless summer.
Rejoice, sorrow, for you have imputed mercy;
Rejoice, you who have passed the way of the cross.
Rejoice, holding the cross like a sign of victory;
Rejoice, you who also lift us up to Christ.
Rejoice, incorruptible blessings to the heiress;
Rejoice, interlocutor of the angelic ranks.
Rejoice, our vigilant prayer book before God;
Rejoice, to eternal life guidebook.
Rejoice, Anastasia, royal princess, crowned with the crown of reverence.
Kontakion 13
O our wonderful and all-praised mother Anastasia! We earnestly fall to you, with faith and love, we pray: pour out your mercy on us sinners, heal the infirmities of our souls and bodies and make us worthy with a pure heart to glorify Christ God on earth, and in eternal life together with you to sing to him: Alleluia.

This Kontakion is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.

Prayer

O our reverend and most merciful mother Anastasia, the fragrant royal tree that flourished in the land of Kiev! During the days of your earthly life, you did not reject anyone who came to you, but you were ready to serve everyone with your warm love. And now, bending the knee and humbly falling to the race of your relics [or: humbly kissing your honorable icon], we cry out and pray to you with emotion: come to us, the unworthy, with your kindness, intercede for the poor and wretched, heal the weak and sick, and for everyone Grant what is useful in this life, and everything that is for our spiritual salvation.
Help the nuns, gathered by you under the Protection of the Queen of Heaven, to bear the yoke of Christ in complacency, to fight the good fight and enter into the palace of the Savior with the wise virgins. Your holy monastery is preserved in autumn by your intercession, preserving it from the arrows of the evil one and from every evil situation.
O our blessed mother Anastasia! Just as you had your heart filled with mercy and the love of Christ, teach us to love God with all our hearts and to be merciful to our neighbors. Pray to our Savior to save us from the falls of sin and grant us success in His commandments, and with true repentance striving towards eternal life, together with you we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and glorify the all-holy name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion, tone 4

Having loved the monastic life, / you left the corruptible blessings, / our venerable mother Anastasia, / the royal all-honorable adornment, / you became like the merciful Samaritan, / having served those who suffered in your monastery, / and now standing before the Throne of the Lord, // pray for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion, tone 4

Rejoice today, O monastery of the Intercession, / created by the royal nun Anastasia, / who have placed all their lives / in the treasury of Christ, / for this reason, for the sake of the reward of their labors, they have been perceived in heaven. / To that we too will call with tenderness: / our merciful mother, / beg the Merciful Master // to save our souls.

Greatness

We magnify you, / our reverend mother, Grand Duchess Anastasia, / and honor your holy memory, / for you pray for us // Christ our God.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov

Memory of our venerable mother Anastasia, renamed Anastasia the Skopts

During the reign of Emperor Justinian the Great, there lived in Constantinople a certain pious, God-fearing widow, the daughter of rich and noble parents, the first patrician in the royal palace named Anastasia. Keeping the fear of God in her heart, she steadily and carefully observed the commandments of God. Anastasia, possessing outstanding physical beauty, stood out even more for her spiritual beauty: she was so meek and kind that everyone, knowing her life, looked at her as a model, and many tried to imitate her virtues. And the tsar himself greatly revered Anastasia, but the devil, who sows tares, envies the virtuous, never ceases to wage war on the human race and sows quarrels among people, brought hateful enmity upon blessed Anastasia. He aroused hatred against the saint in Queen Theodora, and the latter began to be angry with the innocent servant of God. Having heard about this from one person disposed towards her, and being filled with divine understanding, Anastasia, having collected her thoughts, reasoned with herself like this:

- Anastasia! Be sure to save your soul, taking advantage of this misfortune as a timely one. Deliver the queen from the sin of unjust hatred, and also intercede for the Kingdom of Heaven for yourself!

Having thus thought with herself, Anastasia secretly hired a ship and, having seized some of the gold that belonged to her, but leaving the rest behind, sailed unnoticed by anyone to Alexandria. Having created a small monastery here in one place at a distance of five fields from the city, she lived in it, working for God and trying to please Him alone. Anastasia always held in her hands handicrafts appropriate for her sex, and on her lips was the constant singing of psalms and praises of God. The monastery she created, named after the founder of the patrician Anastasia Patrician, later, even before the time of Muslim rule, became large and glorious, abounding in all kinds of wealth. But let's return to the initial speech about Anastasia.

Several years after the removal of Saint Anastasia from Constantinople, Queen Theodora, who was angry with her, died. The king, remembering the patrician Anastasia, sent ambassadors everywhere, looking for her with great diligence. Having soon learned of this, the lamb of God left her monastery at night, went to the monastery to Abba Daniel and informed this blessed elder about everything that had happened to her. Then Elder Daniel dressed her in men's monastic clothes, called her Anastasia the eunuch instead of Anastasia, took her to a cave located far from the Lavra, and locked her there; Having taught Anastasia the rules and regulations of life, he ordered her not to leave the cave anywhere and not to allow anyone to come to her.

Daniel showed one of the brothers serving with him a place near the cave, where he ordered him once during the week to bring small bread and a jug of water and put it all in the indicated place in front of the cave, and then, having received a prayer blessing from the recluse, immediately leave. Here, unshakable, courageous Anastasia lived hopelessly, invisible to anyone, for twenty-eight years, strictly observing the rule prescribed by the elder. No one came to Anastasia, and no one, except the brother who brought bread and water, knew about her. But the latter did not know that she was a woman by nature, but considered her to be a male eunuch. Who is able to comprehend with his mind, or retell in language, or convey in writing the works and exploits of Saint Anastasia, offered alone to God for twenty-eight years in a cave? Tears, groaning, sobbing, wakefulness, singing, prayers, reading, standing, kneeling, fasting, deprivation of the necessary, and most of all, demonic attacks and struggles with them, constantly reminding us of the sweets of the flesh left in the world, and all sorts of other worldly pleasures?! How did she reflect all this and win and, moreover, remain hopelessly during all the days of those years, the one who earlier, in the rank of noblewoman and first patrician, long years lived in the royal palaces, sometimes spending time with many women and men at worldly meals and pleasures? The mind is involuntarily horrified at the thought of how Saint Anastasia neglected all this and erased the memory of it all from her mind! How did she achieve such humility, fasting, abstinence and the narrowness of the sorrowful path? Having labored so valiantly, the saint became a vessel of the Holy Spirit and, having pleased God to the end, approached her blessed death.

Having foreseen her departure to God in advance, Anastasia wrote this on the tiles to Elder Daniel:

- Holy Father! Take with you with haste the student who brings me bread and water, also take the tools necessary for the burial and come to bury your child - the eunuch Anastasia.

Having written this, Anastasia placed the tiles outside the cave in front of the doors. At the same time, the elder, having learned about this from a revelation from God that came to him at night, said to his disciple:

- Child! hurry to the cave where our brother the eunuch Anastasius lives and look around the cave. There you will find a shard covered with writing, and if you take it, return to us as soon as possible.

Having left and having found, at the word of the elder, a shard covered with writing, the brother brought it to the elder. Having read what was written on the shard, Elder Daniel shed tears and, taking everything necessary for burial, went with the said brother to the cave. Having opened the latter, they found a eunuch overcome with fever. Abba Daniel, leaning on the eunuch’s chest, cried, saying:

“Blessed are you, brother Anastasy, because, constantly worrying about the day and hour of death, you have despised the earthly kingdom!”

“Blessed are you too,” answered Anastasia, “new Abraham!”

“So,” the elder continued, “pray to the Lord for us.”

“Honest old man,” answered Anastasia, “at this hour I need your prayers more.”

“If I had finished the last day of my life before you, then I would have prayed for you,” the elder continued.

Then Anastasia, sitting down on the mat, kissed the elder’s head and, praying for him, uttered words of blessing. The elder, taking his disciple, brought him to the feet of the saint, saying:

- Bless this student of mine, and your child.

“Who stands before me at this hour to free me from this body, the God of my fathers,” said Anastasia, “who knows my steps in this cave and the hardships of life for the sake of His name and who sees my real bodily illness, may He rest my father’s spirit on him.” him, just as the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha!

Turning then to the elder, the eunuch said:

“Father, for the Lord’s sake, do not take off the clothes in which I am clothed, so that no one will know what concerns my sex.”

Having then communed the Most Pure Mysteries of Christ, Anastasia said:

– Father, mark me with the sign of Christ and pray for me.

After this, Anastasia looked to the east and her face shone like fire. Then, having dawned on herself sign of the cross, Anastasia said:

“Lord, I commit my spirit into Your hands,” and with these words she died.

After this, Abba Daniel and his disciple dug a grave in front of the cave, and then the elder, taking off the cassock he was wearing, said to the disciple:

- Child! dress your brother.

The disciple, while dressing the saint, accidentally noticed her female breasts, dried up like dry leaves, and, without telling the elder about it, he kept silent. They buried Anastasia's honest body with the usual funeral chants.

When they then returned home, the disciple said to the elder:

“Father, didn’t you know that the eunuch Anastasius was a woman?”

“Yes, child, I knew it,” answered the elder, “and for that reason I dressed her in men's clothing and called Anastasius a eunuch, so that there would be no suspicion and so that no one would know about her, and rumor would not spread everywhere; Regarding her, there were many searches on the part of the king in all countries and especially in these areas. But, by the grace of God, it was hidden from us.

Then the elder told the disciple in detail the entire life of the saint, which later became known throughout the world and was written for the benefit of those who read and listen to the glory of Christ God, glorified in his saints forever. Amen.

Note

The Monk Anastasia died in 667. Emperor Justinian reigned from 627 to 565, under him the fifth ecumenical council was convened in Constantinople in order to stop the Monophysite movements in 553.

Patricia – wife of a patrician; This is what people of noble birth were called in Rome. This rank was very great and it was awarded to the wives of famous men, for example, Antonina, the wife of Vilisarius, or for their special merits.

Justinian's wife Theodora - thanks to whose influence the Nika rebellion, which threatened to overthrow Justinian, was stopped.

Alexandria is the main city in Egypt, built by Alexander the Great. Here on the island of Pharos, a translation of the Old Testament Bible into Greek was made in 72 days.

The monk Daniel mentioned here is the same one who made a 22-day-old baby speak.

Relics of St. Anastasia was transferred to Constantinople and in 1200 they were near St. Sofia.

Keeping the fear of God in her heart, she steadily and carefully observed the commandments of God. Anastasia, possessing outstanding physical beauty, stood out even more for her spiritual beauty: she was so meek and kind. that everyone, knowing her life, looked at her as a model. and many tried to imitate her virtues. And the tsar himself highly revered Anastasia; but he who sows tares is jealous of the virtuous. The devil, who never ceases to wage war on the human race and sows quarrels among people, brought hateful enmity upon blessed Anastasia. He aroused hatred against the saint in Queen Theodora. and the latter began to be angry with the innocent servant of God. Having heard about this from one person favored by her and being filled with divine understanding, Anastasia secretly hired a ship and, having seized some of the gold that belonged to her, sailed to Alexandria.

Having created a small monastery here in one place at a distance of 10 km from the city. she lived in him, working for God and pleasing Him alone. Anastasia always had handicrafts in her hands, and on her lips the constant singing of psalms and praises of God. The monastery she created was named after the founder of the patrician Anastasia of Patrick. subsequently, even before the time of Muslim rule, it became large and glorious, abounding in all kinds of wealth.

Several years after the removal of Saint Anastasia from Constantinople, Queen Theodora, who was angry with her, died. The king, remembering Anastasia, sent messengers everywhere, looking for her with great diligence. Having soon learned of this, the lamb of God left her monastery at night, went to the monastery to Abba Daniel and informed the blessed elder about everything that had happened to her. Then the elder dressed her in men's monastic clothes, called her Anastasia the eunuch instead of Anastasia, took her to one of the caves and locked her there. He showed one of the brothers the location of the cave, where he ordered him to bring a small jug of water and bread once a week. It was here that the unshakable, courageous Anastasia lived hopelessly for 28 years, strictly fulfilling the rule assigned to her by the elder. Striving so valiantly. the saint became a vessel of the Holy Spirit and, having pleased God to the end, approached her blessed death.

When Anastasia died, the elder gave the disciple his cassock and ordered him to dress his deceased brother. While putting on his cassock, the monk realized that there was a woman in front of him, but did not dare to say anything. When, having buried the saint, they returned to their monastery, the disciple asked the Abba if he knew that the imaginary brother was a woman. The Elder told the disciple in detail the entire life of the saint, which later became known throughout the world and was written for the benefit of those who read and listen to the glory of Christ God. glorified in his saints forever. Amen.

Venerable Anastasia Patricia

Memorial Day: March 23

(new style)

The Monk Anastasia lived in Constantinople and came from an aristocratic family. The pious patrician was a model of virtue for many and enjoyed great respect from Emperor Justinian (527 - 565). Having become a widow at an early age, Anastasia decided to leave the world and save her soul away from the bustle of the capital. She secretly left Constantinople and went to Alexandria. Not far from the city, she founded a small monastery and devoted herself entirely to God.
A few years later, Emperor Justinian became a widower and decided to find Anastasia to marry her. Having learned about this, blessed Anastasia immediately went to a distant monastery to Abba Daniel (March 18) for help. To save Anastasia, the elder dressed her in men's monastic clothes and called her Anastasius the Eunuch. Having settled her in one of the most remote caves, the elder gave her prayer rule and commanded never to leave the cave and not to receive anyone. Only one monk knew this place: he had the obedience to bring small bread and a jug of water to the cave once a week, leaving them at the entrance. The Monk Anastasia lived in such strict seclusion for twenty-eight years. Everyone believed that the eunuch Anastasius was working in the cave.
The Lord revealed to the blessed one the day of her death. Having learned about her imminent death, she wrote a few words about this to Abba Daniel on a shard and placed it at the entrance to the cave. The elder soon came and brought everything necessary for her burial. He found the holy ascetic at the point of death, confessed and received the Holy Mysteries. At the request of the Abba, Blessed Anastasia blessed him and the monk accompanying him. With the words: “Lord, into Your hands I commit my spirit,” the saint quietly died (+ c. 567 - 568).
When the grave was ready, the elder gave his disciple his cassock and ordered him to dress his deceased brother. While putting on his cassock, the monk realized that there was a woman in front of him, but did not dare to say anything. When, having buried the saint, they returned to their monastery, the disciple asked the abba if he knew that the imaginary brother was a woman, and the elder told the young monk the story of Saint Anastasia. Later, the elder’s story was written down and became widely known.
The relics of St. Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople in 1200 and placed near the Church of Hagia Sophia.

The history of Christianity in Rus' has been sanctified from the very beginning female name. Saint Olga, Equal to the Apostles, knelt before Christ long before Vladimirov’s baptism, thereby predetermining spiritual path Rus' is more like the path of the heart and intuition, rather than reason and rational analysis.

Venerable Anastasia of Kyiv

And so Rus' was subsequently baptized - at the call of the soul, without particularly delving into the Greek prayers, incomprehensible to her ears, which for a long time remained both untranslated and unexplained. She was baptized as a foolish child is baptized, receiving a treasure of grace without yet understanding it. Subsequently, everything appeared - both understanding and learning. But before this, Rus' was dotted with countless monasteries and churches and gave the world thousands of great saints, as if to confirm that it continues to follow the path of Saint Olga, the path of the heart and intuitive recognition of its Heavenly Father in the Christian God.

Remembering the history of the Russian Church, one cannot help but notice how ardently the Russian soul, especially the female soul, responded to the spiritual choice of Equal-to-the-Apostles Olga and her grandson, Equal-to-the-Apostles Vladimir. Reading the chronicle, we see many holy women, in particular from royal and princely families. The first such nun, according to the Tver Chronicle, was the wife of Grand Duke Vladimir Rogneda. After divorcing her husband, she took monastic vows with the name Anastasia. Her name opens a long chain of royalty who became nuns. This is the wife of Grand Duke Yaroslav I Irina, and the daughter of Grand Duke Vsevolod Anna, and the wife of Prince of Polotsk Roman Predslav (Euphrosinia), and many other royal and princely wives and daughters who dedicated their lives to Christ. Is it possible to list all the exploits of pious Russian women, both monastic and non-monastic? They entered the people's memory not only as saints of our land, but also as the founders and trustees of hospitals, orphanages and other centers of charity and mercy, hosts of strangers.

The history of female holiness in Rus' is amazing. But more striking is the fact that the peculiarities of Russian female religiosity, together with the acquisition Orthodox faith enter the heart of a foreigner, and she becomes a deeply Russian woman and even, if I may say so, the mother of the Russian people. This happened to the last Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and her sister Elizabeth. But even earlier this happened to a woman who can rightfully be called the mother and patroness of the city of Kyiv. Perhaps this is precisely the name that is borne in the Heavenly Kingdom by the one whom the world knew as Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna Romanova, and the Church glorifies her as the holy Venerable Anastasia of Kyiv.

The life of the saint is widely known today and does not need another retelling. Large-scale charity in the world, long-term illness and miraculous healing, adoption of monasticism and construction of the Intercession Monastery, abbot's works, caring for the sick in the hospital she founded... Much has been written about all this, the princess's feat has been studied and glorified. Without repeating the life story of Alexandra Petrovna again, I would like to highlight some facets of her asceticism and its significance. To do this, let's ask ourselves a few questions.

Why do we even need to remember the story of nun Anastasia? Why look back so far? After all, it was a completely different time. There will never be such a life again. The phenomenon of Tsarist Russia is forever a thing of the past, having received an ambiguous assessment. Russia left, and with it went its saints - holy fools, saints, noble princes, righteous wives... Now there are completely different people, a different life and different ideals.

Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna

Ideals... But this is probably the reason for our memories of past times. The beauty of the ideal has lasting value. The question before us is not the state ideal, not the ideal of building a society, and not even the ideal of the national idea. The life story of Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna raises a more significant topic - the topic of the female ideal.

The memory of such saints as Anastasia of Kiev restores the image of a Russian woman, damaged over a hundred years of utter atheism. This is the gospel ideal of sacrifice and service, inner beauty and prayerful strength, sensitivity to the pain of another and a firm determination to do everything to alleviate it. The ideal of an honest woman, a pious mother, a great worker.

But was Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna really Russian? By origin - no. In spirit - yes. She became a deeply Russian woman and even the ideal of a Russian woman through the Orthodoxy she accepted. This is an amazing fact.

Vladimir Solovyov argued: “The idea of ​​a nation is not what it thinks about itself in time, but what God thinks about it in eternity” (V.S. Solovyov. Russian idea). These are wonderful words. You don’t need to be an academic to understand: God intended Orthodoxy in relation to Rus'. And only by Orthodoxy does Rus' live, and by it is it strong, just as the people of Israel were once strong by their God - and only by Him. Rus' without Orthodoxy is unthinkable and impossible.

The Orthodox faith made the princess with German roots a Russian saint. The Grand Duchess, having fallen in love with Orthodoxy once and for all, was imbued with God’s plan for Rus' through her faith and became one of the builders of the Russian Orthodox civilization - that for which and by what Rus' should live. Every woman who brings her life closer to the ideal of nun Anastasia stands next to her in the great work of revealing the beauty of Orthodoxy to the whole world. Maybe this is why Rus' is still alive. Perhaps that’s why she’s alive because women like her still exist. And it will live if Russian women are like that.

In many Kyiv churches there is an icon of the nun Anastasia. But the feat of the Grand Duchess is not only a feat of confession of faith, but also an example of service to the fatherland in the gospel coordinate system. Mother's holiness is not so much monastic as civil. The Grand Duchess lived her entire life in the world - even in the monastery she was always surrounded by the bustling world. But the world did not swallow her - she taught the world. She taught us holiness in the world, showed that we can serve our neighbors not only in monastic robes, but also in the dress of a princess, not only in the grand-ducal reception room, but also on the humble bed of illness, not only in ardent youth, but also in the infirmity of old age. Therefore, there should be icons of nun Anastasia in Kyiv churches, and her portraits in Kyiv schools. Kievans should know their history and the best people in the history of Kyiv.

The feat of the Grand Duchess teaches true evangelical patriotism - serving one’s people in diligent fulfillment of the commandments of Christ. Only that patriotism is genuine, which creates and saves the human soul. Patriotism that destroys and hates, constantly looking for an enemy and not noticing the shortcomings of its people, is a devilish substitution. Evangelical patriotism does the will of God in the depths of its people, glorifies the name of the Lord among its nation and far beyond its borders. Evangelical patriotism turns any nation into the people of God and gives the representative of any nation a much higher name - the name of a Christian. The Englishman will be the best Englishman who will be the best Christian. That American will become the best of Americans who learns to do the will of God. So the Grand Duchess, in her service of evangelical patriotism, saved not only her soul, but also thousands around her, and became the best of us - the pride of the holy city of Kyiv. She served God through her neighbor, and the Lord exalted her above all others.

The memory of the holy women who shone in the Russian land is not an excursion into the past, it is a look into the future. And there will be a future if the memory of people like nun Anastasia is preserved not just as a page of our history, but as an example to follow, an image dear to the heart of every Russian person, especially to the heart of a Russian woman.

Oh, our blessed mother Anastasia! Just as you had your heart filled with mercy and the love of Christ, teach us to love God with all our hearts and to be merciful to our neighbors.

Our Reverend Mother Anastasia, pray to God for us!