Today we celebrate the memory of Venerable Irene, abbess of the monastery of Chrysovalantou in Constantinople.
Venerable Irene came from Cappadocia and lived in the early 9th century. A.D. She stood out among her peers for her beauty and kindness, which aroused the interest of an imperial official, who proposed to her. Her initial positive response was overturned when, before her arrival at the palace, she passed by the monastery of Chrysovalantou.
The ascetic life and the humility of the nuns deeply moved her and gave birth to her desire to follow the same path. She remained in the monastery, living ascetically and with spiritual struggle. Thanks to her spiritual advancement, she was appointed successor of the abbess when the latter passed away.
Rewarding the struggles and the virtue of Venerable Irene of Chrysovalantou, God endowed her with the gift of healing. And today there are many believers who reverently invoke her support of their various needs.
Source: Church of Cyprus
