St. Xenia Orthodox Saint History and Name Day Information
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It’s true that learning about the saints is an important part of Orthodox Christianity. These individuals are all looked at as examples as to how Christians should lead their lives. The saints all lived their lives as an expression of their faith and made important contributions to Christianity.
Some Orthodox Christians have even been named after the saints, and those who have celebrate their name day on the saint’s feast day. Xenia is one of these saints, and her feast day is on January 24th of each year. Here is more information about who Saint Xenia was and also about her contributions to the church.
About Saint Xenia
Saint Xenia was born in Rome during a time when there was a stigma against being a Christian. Since Christians were actively persecuted at this time, they often had to practice their faith in secret. Xenia was born into a noble family and her father was a Roman Senator and she was his only daughter. From a young age, she had been promised in marriage to someone. As she got older, she realized she didn’t want to marry this individual.
Rather than face the fate that her father had planned for her, she secretly left home and went to a monastery. There, she was able to openly practice her faith. She left home with two of her servants and the three of them fled on a ship. On her travels she met the individual who the head of the Monastery of the Apostle Andrew. She asked if she and her companions could go back to the monastery with him. He agreed and she told him her name was Xenia, which means “foreigner” in Greek. It was at this monastery where she performed many good works for the faith and she spent a lot of time being helpful to those in need.
Hymns of Saint Xenia
There are some hymns that can be found in the Orthodox Christian church service that celebrate Saint Xenia. This music is usually chanted on her feast day, which takes place each year on January 17th. Here’s more information about the hymns:
Apolytikion of Xenia, Deaconess of Rome – Plagal of the Fourth Tone
The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Xenia, your soul rejoices with the angels.
Kontakion of Xenia, Deaconess of Rome – Second Tone
Celebrating the memorial of thy life which thou didst live as a stranger, O Xenia, and honoring thee with love, we praise Christ Who gave thee the power to grant healing to all. Ever pray to Him for us all.
Saint Anthony’s feast day is celebrated each year on January 24th. Check the Name Day page for more information about other Orthodox Christian name days.
Source:
GoArch.org – Saint Xenia, the Deaconess of Rome – Also Image Source
Categorized in: Ancient Greek History, Greek Orthodox Religious Information
This post was written by Greek Boston
