Saint Eupraxia of Pskov

A life of faith

Eupraxia, known earlier as Euphrosyne, belonged to the princely family of Polotsk and married Yaroslav of Pskov. After her husband left Pskov and formed another household, she devoted herself to religious works. She founded a monastery beside the Velikaya River in honor of John the Forerunner. The Orthodox account considers her leadership of that community probable rather than certain. She was later invited to meet her former husband in Livonia, where a member of his household murdered her. Her burial took place in the monastery she had founded. Her memory centers on religious service amid political instability and personal betrayal.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Personal betrayal can disturb a person's whole life. Eupraxia's memory invites compassionate support and a search for meaningful service without denying the harm that occurred.

Read the Orthodox source

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