Venerable Platonida of Syria (+308)

The Venerable Platonida of Syria (+308) was a deaconess; later she went into the desert of Nisibis and founded a convent.

The rule of her convent was distinguished by strictness. The sisters took food once a day. In time free from prayer they did handiwork. On Friday, the day of the remembrance of the Saviour’s crucifixion, all work stopped and the nuns were in church from morning till evening. Between the services Holy Scripture and its interpretation were read.

In the strict monastic labour the Venerable Platonida was a living example to the sisters of humility and love of neighbour. Having reached deep old age, the Venerable Platonida reposed in peace in 308.