Saint Euphrosyne of Suzdal, in the world of Theodulia, was the daughter of the Holy Prince Mikhail of Chernigov. For a long time, her parents prayed for the gift of a child. According to the life, the Most Holy Theotokos announced to them the birth of a daughter who was to devote herself to the service of God. Since childhood, Feodulia was distinguished by piety, a kind disposition and a love of learning. Her father and his faithful adviser, boyar Theodore, taught her to read and write.
When the princess turned fifteen, her parents intended to marry her off. However, she herself aspired to a monastic life. On the way to Suzdal, Feodulia learned about the death of her fiance and, without returning home, came to the Ordination monastery. Here she took vows with the name Euphrosyne.
The princely daughter humbly carried out monastic obediences, served her sisters, and spent time in prayer, fasting, and reading the Holy Scriptures. The abbess taught her not to be proud of her origin, and Euphrosyne followed this instruction. Gradually, people began to come to the young ascetic for spiritual advice. She called the sisters and the laity to repentance, meekness, and unfeigned love for each other.
During the invasion of Batu, the monk remained in the monastery and, together with her sisters, prayed for the salvation of the city and the monastery. The life tells us that the enemies who ravaged Suzdal could not destroy the monastery: through the prayers of the saint, a wonderful cloud covered it.
The fate of her father occupied a special place in her life. In 1246, Prince Mikhail and boyar Theodore went to the Horde, where they were required to worship pagan shrines. According to her life, Euphrosyne sent a message to her father, strengthening his faithfulness to Christ. The prince and the boyar refused to renounce the faith and were martyred.
The Lord granted the monk clairvoyance and the gift of healing. The sick and those in need of spiritual help turned to her. At the same time, the saint taught that charity begins with the attitude towards others. She advised a rich man who wanted to donate funds to the monastery to take care of the household servants first. Her words changed him: the formerly stern gentleman became merciful to his people.
Before her death, Euphrosyne instructed her sisters, took communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and peacefully departed to the Lord. Healings continued at her coffin. In the 16th century, the monk was glorified as a saint, and in 1699, her relics were found. Her life reminds us of the power of prayer, faithfulness to Christ, and active love for people.