July 28: Saint Osia Irini Chrysovalanto celebratestranslated

Today the Church honors the memory of the Holy Deacons and Apostles Prochorus, Timon, Parmena and Nicanor, who together with Stefanos, Nikolaos and Philip form the group of seven deacons mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, according to the Evangelist Luke. After the stoning of Stephen, during which Nicanoras was also martyred, the Deacons honored today accompanied the Apostles on their tours, following them both in their preaching work and in their martyrdom.

Today, too, we celebrate the memory of Osia Irini, abbess of the Chrysovalantou Monastery in Constantinople. Saint Irene came from Cappadocia and lived at the beginning of the 9th century. She stood out among her peers for her beauty and kindness, which attracted the interest of an imperial official, who asked her in marriage. Her initial positive response was overturned when, prior to her arrival at the palace, she passed by the Chrysovalantou Monastery.

The ascetic life and the humility of the nuns moved her deeply and gave birth to her desire to follow the same path. He remained in the monastery, living with exercise and spiritual struggle. Exactly, thanks to the spiritual foresight…