Venerable Mother Xenia (V)

The Venerable Xenia (in the world Eusebia) was the only daughter of a noble Roman senator. From childhood she burned with divine love. To avoid the marriage that awaited her, the maiden secretly left her parental home with two maidservants and boarded a ship. By God’s will the saint met the superior of the monastery of Andrew the First-called in the city of Mylasa in Caria, and asked him to take her and her companions with him. Eusebia introduced herself to the monk as Xenia. In Mylasa the maiden bought land, built a church of Saint Stephen and founded a convent. Soon she was ordained deaconess for her pious life. The venerable mother held out a helping hand to everyone. She was distinguished by wonderful humility and considered herself the most unworthy of all. In her labours she was guided by the counsel of Saint Euthymius the Great. Saint Xenia committed her soul to the Lord in prayer. Her blessed end was marked by the appearance above the church of a shining cross encircled by a radiant crown. This heavenly sign stood over the venerable mother’s body as it was carried out into the city, and vanished only after her burial. Many sick people were healed by touching Xenia’s holy relics.