The Church today venerates the memory of Xenia, Deaconess of Rome. Our righteous Mother Xenia of Rome was of a distinguished family. While her parents were preparing to wed her, she stole away secretly, taking two handmaids with her, and departed for Mylasa of Karia in Asia Minor, and there she completed her life in asceticism. She was ordained deaconess by Paul, her spiritual father, who became Bishop of Mylasa. Although she was originally named Eusebia, to conceal her identity, she took the name Xenia – which means “stranger” in Greek – because of her estrangement from her country.
Today is also the feast day of Xenia of St. Petersburg, Fool-for-Christ.