St. Irene Chrysovolantou

Joyous feast! St. Irene, who was a native of Cappadocia in what today is central Turkey, was brought as a youth to Constantinople because of her great beauty and virtuous life to be a prospective bride for Emperor Michael of the East Romans. She was not chosen as the young emperor's bride, however, and instead entered the monastic life, becoming renowned for her ascetic feats and as a novice spending the entire night in prayer.

Because of the many signs and wonders worked through St. Irene as well as her clairvoyance she was chosen to serve as the Abbess of the Chrysovolantou Monastery. After a long life St. Irene reposed at the age of one hundred and three and continues to be glorified by miracles worked through her prayers.

More on St. Irene's life can be found here. May her blessing and prayers be with us all!