November 1 is the memorial day of Blessed Cleopatra and her son John.
Among the lives of saints, there are stories that are especially close to everyone who has experienced separation from loved ones. Such is the life of blessed Cleopatra, a mother who went through the loss of her only son and found solace in the hope of eternal life.
Cleopatra came from the village of Edra near Mount Tabor in Palestine, but lived in Egypt. Widowed, she raised her son John. During the persecution of Christians, she witnessed the sufferings of the martyr Uar. His faithfulness to Christ deeply touched her heart. After Saint Cleopatra's martyrdom, she secretly took his body at night and buried it in her house.
When the persecution subsided, she returned to her homeland, taking with her the relics of the martyr. In Palestine, Cleopatra put them in the family tomb and went there daily to pray. Soon other Christians began to gather at the burial site, and Cleopatra decided to erect a temple in honor of Saint Uar.
Meanwhile, John was growing up. His mother took care of his future and secured for him an honorable place in the royal army. However, before starting the service, she wanted to complete the main task with her son — the construction of the temple. Praying to the martyr Uaru, Cleopatra asked the Lord to ask for both of them what would be pleasing to God and useful for their salvation.
The day of consecration has arrived. After the service, the mother and son served the guests at a festive meal. There seemed to be so much good ahead of them. But on the same day, John suddenly fell ill with a severe fever, and by midnight he died.
Cleopatra rushed to the temple. Crouching at the tomb of the martyr, she wept, begged for her son's return, and in despair asked why, after so much effort, she had suffered such grief. Life preserves this maternal pain in all its force.
Exhausted by tears, Cleopatra fell asleep. In a dream, Saint Uar appeared to her, holding John's hand. Both were clothed in shining robes, and crowns adorned their heads. The martyr revealed to her that her son had been accepted into the heavenly host. And John himself turned to his mother: "Why are you crying, my mother? I am numbered among the heavenly host, and I stand before Christ with the Angels."
When Cleopatra woke up, she felt comforted. She was given to see that her son was alive with God and that earthly separation had not destroyed their love.
After burying John next to the relics of Saint Uar, she distributed property to those in need and settled at the temple. The blessed one spent another seven years in prayer, fasting and good deeds. Around the year 327, she peacefully passed away to the Lord.
The story of Cleopatra reminds us that even in deep sorrow, a person can turn to God with their tears and questions. Love for the departed continues in prayer, and faith in