Macrina the Younger
Macrina the Younger was an early Christian consecrated virgin and elder sister to prominent Church Fathers. She is remembered for her profound influence on her family through her adherence to an ascetic ideal, her devotion to prayer, and her role in spiritual education. Gregory of Nyssa, her brother, documented her sanctity and asceticism in his work "Life of Macrina."
- Feast Day
- July 19
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Turkey
Key Facts
- ›Macrina was born around 327 in Caesarea, Cappadocia.
- ›She was the elder sister of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Naucratius, and Peter of Sebaste.
- ›Her fiancé died before their wedding, after which she dedicated herself to Christ.
- ›Gregory of Nyssa wrote "Life of Macrina" to describe her sanctity and asceticism.
- ›She lived a chaste and humble life, devoted to prayer and the spiritual education of her brother Peter.
- ›Macrina died on July 19, 379, at her family's estate in Pontus, which she had helped turn into a convent.
About Macrina the Younger
Macrina the Younger (c. 327 – July 19, 379) was a significant figure in early Christianity, revered as a consecrated virgin and an ascetic. She was the elder sister of several influential figures, including Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, two of the three Cappadocian Fathers, as well as Naucratius and Peter of Sebaste.
Life and Asceticism
Born in Caesarea, Cappadocia, Macrina's life was marked by deep piety and a commitment to an ascetic ideal. After her betrothed died before their wedding, she chose to dedicate herself entirely to Christ, viewing him as her eternal bridegroom. She lived a chaste and humble life, dedicating her time to prayer and the spiritual guidance of her younger brother, Peter.
Macrina had a profound impact on her family, influencing her mother and brothers with her adherence to asceticism. Her brother, Gregory of Nyssa, detailed her sanctity and ascetic practices in his work "Life of Macrina." Even as a child, she was devoted to studying scriptures, particularly the Wisdom of Solomon. She resolved never to leave her mother, and they moved to a rural estate where they lived within a community of virgins from diverse backgrounds.
Following the death of her brother Naucratius, Macrina took on a more prominent role in domestic life. In her later years, with the help of her brother Peter, she transformed her family's estate in Pontus into a convent for virgins.
Legacy and Commemoration
Macrina died at her family's estate in Pontus in 379. Even in her final moments, she continued to live a life of sanctity, refusing a bed and choosing to lie on the ground. Her brother, Gregory of Nyssa, composed "Dialogue on the Soul and Resurrection" (entitled "ta Makrinia") to commemorate her, presenting a literary dialogue with the dying Macrina, modeled on Plato's "Phaedo." This work is notable for featuring a woman as the protagonist in a philosophical dialogue.
Macrina is regarded as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Anglican churches. Her feast day is celebrated on July 19. She is significant for setting a standard for holy early Christian women and contributed to her brothers' theological views, particularly regarding virginity as a reflection of God's purity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Macrina the Younger?
Macrina the Younger was an early Christian consecrated virgin who lived in the 4th century. She was the elder sister of prominent figures like Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa.
What is Macrina the Younger known for?
She is known for her profound influence on her family through her ascetic lifestyle, devotion to prayer, and spiritual guidance. Her brother, Gregory of Nyssa, wrote "Life of Macrina" detailing her sanctity.
When did Macrina the Younger live?
Macrina the Younger was born around 327 and died on July 19, 379.
In which churches is Macrina the Younger venerated?
Macrina the Younger is regarded as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Anglican churches.
What was Macrina the Younger's role in her family?
She had a profound influence on her brothers and mother through her ascetic ideal. Following the death of her brother Naucratius, she took on a priority role in domestic life.
Related Saints
John Plessington
John Plessington was an English Catholic priest executed for his faith during a period of religious persecution. He is venerated as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, remembered for his steadfast commitment to his ministry despite the risks.
Gregory of Nyssa
Gregory of Nyssa was an early Christian theologian and bishop of Nyssa, revered as one of the Cappadocian Fathers. He is primarily remembered for his significant contributions to the doctrine of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed, as well as for being the first known individual to write against all forms of slavery, deeming it inherently sinful.
Margaret the Virgin
Margaret the Virgin, also known as Margaret of Antioch or Saint Marina the Great Martyr, is celebrated as a saint for her refusal to renounce Christianity and her virginity to a Roman official in the 4th century. Reputed to have promised powerful indulgences to those who invoked her intercession, her legend spread widely, making her one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in Roman Catholic tradition. She is particularly remembered for her martyrdom and her iconography often features a dragon.