St. Maria of Gatchina ( Matushka Maria ) by Commonbymaru on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

In the small town of Gatchina, nestled some 30 miles from Petrograd, a beacon of solace emerged amidst a world burdened by sorrows and despair. It was here that many sought refuge, drawn to the presence of a remarkable nun known as Matushka Maria. Gifted by the Lord with a unique ability, she possessed the power to console the sorrowing.

Maria's gift was not bestowed lightly. It came after she had endured her own profound sufferings. Afflicted by encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and later stricken by Parkinson's Disease, she became a total invalid. Her body rendered immobile, her speech reduced to a monotone with a half-closed mouth, she defied the typical manifestations of her ailments. Instead, she radiated meekness, exhibited unwavering dedication to prayer, and was devoid of the usual irritability and stubbornness associated with her conditions.

Her brother, a paragon of self-sacrifice, took care of her needs and welcomed the multitude of visitors who flocked to her humble abode. Among those who came seeking her solace were not only ordinary people but also esteemed Church hierarchs, including Metropolitan Joseph. A photograph of the metropolitan, bearing an inscription expressing his deep respect and gratitude, adorned her reception room.

However, the year 1930 brought a cruel twist of fate. Matushka Maria and her brother fell victim to the political turmoil of the time, facing charges of "counter-revolutionary propaganda." In a horrifying turn of events, she was dragged along the ground and thrown into a truck by the Checkists, the Soviet secret police. Tragically, like many invalid prisoners, her life was cut short all too soon.

Matushka Maria's legacy endures, her story serving as a testament to the extraordinary power of faith and compassion. Through her remarkable ability to console the grieving, she brought light and hope to those burdened by the weight of their sorrows. Although her physical presence may have been silenced, the memory of her selfless devotion and the lives she touched continue to inspire and remind us of the enduring strength of the human spirit.