St. Xenia of Petersburg

Fool for Christ

St. Xenia lived in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the late 18th century. She was married to an officer in the Russian army. They were quite well off, with a nice house and many luxuries.

When she was 26 years old, her husband unexpectedly died. This caused St. Xenia to realize that all of this world is transitory, and she started concentrating on the salvation of her soul. She sold the house and belongings, gave the money to the poor, and became a pilgrim in St. Petersburg, wandering all over the city. She slept little and prayed unceasingly. Many miracles, both during her earthly life and after her passing, were witnessed.

She is buried in the Smolensk cometary in St. Petersburg, where a chapel stands over her grave.