The saint library

Saint Philothea of Tarnovo

Ascetic and spiritual teacher
Polybotos in Pamphylia and Tarnovo
Feast day: December 7

Published icon of Philothea of Tarnovo; full native source image. Image source: Bulgarian Orthodox Church — Bulgarian Patriarchate

A life of faith

Philothea came from Polybotos in Pamphylia. The life attributed to Patriarch Euthymius describes her marriage to Constantine and their care for poor people. After his death she distributed her property, supported churches and monasteries, and settled on an island near her home town. Visitors came to her for counsel, and she taught from Scripture. Her relics were later brought to Tarnovo, which gave her the name by which she is remembered in Bulgaria.

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

A reflection

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