Holy Great Martyr St. Catherine

On December 7, the memory of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine is celebrated. In her life there was an extraordinary meeting with the Mother of God, or rather the icon of the Mother of God.

As you know, the saint was distinguished by rare beauty and intelligence. She refused all suitors. The girl told her parents that she would get marriedonly for the one who surpasses her in everything: family nobility, beauty, wealth and education.

They could not find such a groom. One day, Catherine’s mother went with her daughter to her elder to ask what she should do with her daughter’s wishes. He said to Catherine:

“I know one such Groom who surpasses you in all talents.”

Catherine asked:

“Can I see this Youth?

” The elder gave her an icon of the Mother of God with the Child and said:

“Here is the image of the Mother of that same Groom. Do the all-night vigil.” prayer to Her and ask Her to show her Son.

Catherine brought the icon to her house, prayed and fell asleep. In a vision, the Queen of Heaven appeared before her. The Most Pure Virgin was holding the Child. But the face of the Child of God was turned to the Mother of God. The Most Pure One asked the Son to look at Catherine how beautiful she is.

But the Lord answered that she was ugly and foolish, poor and thin. He ordered her to go again to the elder and receive Holy Baptism.

In the morning the girl did so. The elder advised her to pray to the Mother of God again.

Catherine stood in prayer all night ". And when Catherine fell asleep, she again saw the Mother of God with the Child. Now the Son of God was already looking at Catherine. He said that she had now become beautiful, rich and wise; and wanted to betroth her to Himself as an incorruptible bride.

Then the Lord Jesus Christ gave Catherine a beautiful ring. In the morning, when she woke up, the girl saw this ring on her hand.

This story from the life of St. Catherine served as the basis for painting the icon “The Appearance of the Mother of God to St. Catherine.” And the icon is celebrated on the day of remembrance of the saint.