Sts. Peter and Febronia of Murom

Joyous feast! С праздником! Today we commemorate Prince St. Peter and his wife St. Febronia. St. Peter was born the second son of the Prince of Murom in central Russia and eventually ascended the throne of the principality in 1203. Prior to this he was stricken with an incurable form of leprosy. After suffering in this way for several years the Saint had a vision directing him to the daughter of a beekeeper, Febronia, who would be able to heal him.

When St. Peter met his future wife he was struck by her piety, virtue, and wisdom and vowed to marry her, which he did after she had healed him of his leprosy. Despite St. Peter's great love for his wife the nobility of Murom disapproved of the marriage and eventually were able to have the couple banished, returning only after the people of Murom suffered a disaster for their sin of casting the Saints out.

Throughout their marriage Sts. Peter and Febronia were renowned for their piety and charity. When they reposed they fell asleep at the same hour on the same day, having been tonsured beforehand as the Monk David and the Nun Euphrosynia, and were buried in a shared grave. More on their lives can be found here. May their blessings and prayers be with us all!