Monday, October 19, 2009

Holy Martyr Ludmilla


Holy Martyr Ludmilla - The Holy Martyr Ludmilla was married to Czech Prince Borivoy, and both were baptized by St. Methodius, Archbishop of Moravia and Enlightener of the Slavs.

As Christians, they showed concern for the enlightening of their subjects. With the light of the true Faith, they built churches and invited priests to celebrate the divine services. Prince Borivoy died at the age of 36. As a widow, St. Ludmilla led an austere, pious life and continued to work for the Church during the reign of her son, Bratislav.

Prince Bratislav married the Princess Dragomira with whom he had a son, Vyacheslav. After the death of Prince Bratislav, eighteen-year-old Vyacheslav came to the throne. Taking advantage of the inexperience and youth of her son, Dragomira began to introduce pagan manners and customs in the country.

St. Ludmilla opposed this, and Dragomira came to hate her mother-in-law. When St. Ludmilla moved to the city of Techin, Dragomira secretly sent two boyars to murder her. While St. Ludmilla was praying, the two assassins entered the house and carried out Dragomira’s orders.

The relics of the holy Martyr Ludmilla were buried in Techin in the city wall. Numerous healings occurred at her grave. Later, Prince Vyacheslav transferred the body of St. Ludmilla to the city of Prague and placed it in the church of St. George. Commemorated on September 16th.

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