“The image of the Venerable Martyr Elizabeth Feodorovna, who was radiant with an extraordinary human and spiritual beauty, in a unique phenomenon in the history of Russia,” stated His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at the solemn reception, as reported by the Press-Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
People today should know and remember the life-long ascetic struggle of the holy Grand Duchess, noted the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. “Today much more is known about her than ten or twenty years ago, which is necessary so that she would become a national hero, so that she would become an example to follow. Therefore the story of her life should enter our literature, visual arts, and theater,” Patriarch Kirill is convinced.
According to the words of the Primate of the Russian Church, if one is worthily to illuminate the image of Elizabeth Feodorovna, “no competition will stand in the way of those who, with all their might, struggle to make her a hero and an object of imitation in our modern information society.” “Who, like St. Elizabeth Feodorovna, left behind palaces and entered a monastic cell, directing all her skills, connections, charm, and diplomatic skills towards helping the most needy and outcast?” added Patriarch Kirill.
“We should perceive that which took place with Elizabeth Feodorovna, that which took place with our Church, and that which is taking place and can happen in our own lives, in the image of Christ the Savior,” emphasized His Holiness, the Patriarch. “There is nothing new if we take upon ourselves the cross of ministering to the Lord, if we take upon ourselves the responsibility of brining the word of the Savior to the world, simultaneously taking upon ourselves the prospect of being subjected to everything to which the Savior Himself and His faithful followers were subject.”
Therefore the Primate of the Russian Church urged that we not forget the martyric struggle of Elizabeth Feodorovna and many other of our compatriots, who gave their lives for faith in Christ.
Turning to the sisters of the Martha-Mary Convent, Patriarch Kirill noted that they should “warmly and lovingly influence people’s souls, so as to spread the seeds of the ministry, of those ideals that the Venerable Martyr Elizabeth bore.” “Your example should be infectious, convincing, and evident of the beauty of the image of the Holy Venerable Martyr,” His Holiness, the Patriarch, said in conclusion.
