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Moral blessing for the Parthenomartyr Markella in the church of the same name in Botanikostranslated

July 23, 2026 · 1 min read

In an atmosphere of indescribable emotion and with the stormy presence of the people of Athens from the 3rd District (Botanikos, Thisio, Petrallona), but also a large crowd of Athenians from the other Districts of the city, on Wednesday 7-22-26, in the glorious church of Botanikos, the holy memory of the Parthenomartyr Markella was celebrated.

Written by Panos N. Avramopoulos

Of the pious daughter of Chios, who from her youth - lived around 1500 AD. in Volissos of Chios - dedicated herself with all the strength of her soul and kind heart to Christ, according to the moral dictates of her modest, Christian mother, who left her an orphan very young. However, the pious Markella, who was distinguished for her kindness, eloquence, kindness and her rigid Christian attitude in every pressure and obstacle, quickly found herself in the crosshairs of her pagan father. Apart from her orthodox faith, which caused him unrelenting hatred, her sarcolatarian father also desired her body, given that the divine power had endowed her beyond her excellent mental gifts and with ecstatic beauty. She was thus forced to avoid her father's voracious carnal appetites, to hide...

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Евгения Макарова

Thank you for telling us about the service in Botanikos. It is interesting that the people gathered not only from their area, but also from other parts of Athens - which means that Saint Markella is really close to people. In Novosibirsk, on her day, there are also always a lot of people in the church, especially women with children.

Анастасия Попова

Evgenia correctly noted that when the saint is close, people come from other areas. In Moscow, too, mostly women with children gather for Markella, especially those who themselves are in a difficult family situation. And her father, it turns out, has completely lost his conscience, even if he wanted this from his own daughter.

Георгий Павлов

Thank you, Evgenia. Here in Krasnodar, too, mostly women with children come to Markella, especially from new areas. And in your church in Novosibirsk, what do they usually do after the service - tea with pies or just leave? I wonder how it is with you.

Павел Соколов

Thank you, Evgenia. In Munich, too, mostly women and children gather for Markella; the church is small, but always crowded. And in Novosibirsk, after the service, do you often stay with the children on the street to talk or go straight home? I wonder how it is with you.

Дмитрий Соловьёв

Yes, Anastasia, in Rostov, too, it’s mostly women with children who come to Markella’s service. It is clear that the saint especially hears those who have a difficult time at home with their fathers or husbands. How long have you been contacting her?

Софья Воробьёва

In Krasnodar, too, it’s mostly mothers and daughters who go to Markella’s services, especially when there is tension in the house with her husband or father-in-law. I myself have been turning to her for about ten years, ever since my youngest son began to be very rude. In Rostov, what church do you usually go to?

Степан Попов

Thank you, Evgenia. In Samara, too, mostly women and children gather for Markella, the church is small, but it’s always warm. And in your Novosibirsk church after the service, does the priest often have a separate conversation with the children, or is it more and more a common meal? I wonder how it is with you.

Тамара Иванова

In Yaroslavl, after the Markella service, it’s also mostly women with children, the church is small, but always home-like. Father sometimes tries to talk to the children separately, especially if one of them has received communion, and then we all drink tea and pies together. In Samara, do your children immediately leave after the meal or do they still stay in the yard to play?