Venerable · c. 327–379
Macrina
Venerable Macrina, sister of Saint Basil the Great
New Calendar July 19 Old Calendar August 1
Why they are a saint
Macrina was elder sister of Basil and Gregory of Nyssa; a teacher of the family and head of a monastic community of women. The years given for this life are c. 327–379. The faithful look to her monastic life as a pattern of repentance and prayer.
Life
Saint Macrina, sister of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, was born in Cappadocia at the beginning of the fourth century, the eldest of ten children of Saint Emilia, who taught her the Scriptures and the Psalms. Her betrothed died young, and she refused all other suitors, choosing the virgin life. After her father's death she became the chief support of the family.
When the children had grown, she persuaded her mother to leave the world and free their slaves, and they settled in a women's monastery where all lived as one family, praying and working together and holding everything in common. She slept on boards and had no possessions, and was granted the gift of wonderworking. She died in 380, giving thanks to the Lord, and was buried with her parents.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Macrina as a patron when they bear the name Macrina at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 19. Those who share her calling as a monastic also ask her prayers.
Prayer
O holy Macrina, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Macrina the Elder (grandmother).