Equal-to-the-Apostles
Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene
New Calendar July 22 Old Calendar August 4
Why they are a saint
The Holy Myrrh-Bearer Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene. On the banks of Lake Genesareth (Galilee), between the cities of Capharnum and Tiberias, was the small city of Magdala, the remains of which have survived to our day. Now only the small village of Mejhdel stands on the site. Venerated as an apostle who preached the Gospel of Christ.
Life
Saint Mary was born and grew up in Magdala, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Gospel says the Lord cast seven devils out of her (Luke 8:2); from the moment of her healing she led a new life and followed the Lord as a true disciple.
When all the disciples fled, she remained fearlessly at the Cross with the Mother of God and the Apostle John, and she was present at the Lord's burial. At the empty tomb she saw the risen Lord and at first took Him for the gardener, until she recognized His voice; she then announced the Resurrection to the Apostles.
Tradition relates that she preached in Rome and brought the emperor Tiberius a red egg as a symbol of the Resurrection with the words 'Christ is risen!' In old age she moved to Ephesus, where the Apostle John laboured, and there she ended her earthly life. In the ninth century her relics were transferred to Constantinople.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
Honoured as Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles. The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene as a patron when they bear the name Myrrhbearer at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 22. As an apostle, she is also asked to pray for missionaries and those who spread the Gospel.
Prayer
O holy Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, 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.