Memory of Saint Mary Magdalene

The Church today celebrates the memory of Saint Mary Magdalene, the Holy Myrrh-bearer and Equal-to-the-Apostles, as well as the memory of the Virgin-martyr Markella of Chios and Martyr Theophilus the Younger.

Saint Maria was from the small city of Magdala, which is located on the banks of Lake Genesareth (Galilee), between the cities of Capharnaum and Tiberias. It is one of the most misunderstood women in church history. According to Mark the Evangelist, she suffered from seven demons, which Jesus Christ expelled. As a sign of gratitude, faith, and love, she gave all her property and dedicated her whole life to the Saviour, along with other women. She followed the Lord and His disciples and shared with the Apostles the evangelic tasks.

The full dedication of Saint Mary Magdalene was rewarded. The Lord esteemed her worthy to be first, along with the Most Holy Theotokos, before all His disciples, to learn about His Resurrection. Mary Magdalene and other disciples were the first to meet the Risen Lord on the first day after the Sabbath.

After Pentecost, he went to Rome, where he met King Tiberius and denounced Pilate for the injustice he committed against Jesus of Nazareth,…