Email this article Veneration of St. Marfa (Aparina) in the Tambov Archdiocese
- Authors: Vasnev S.I.1
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Affiliations:
- Tambov Seminary of Tambov Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church
- Issue: Vol 11, No 2 (2025)
- Pages: 428-439
- Section: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: NATIONAL IDENTITY
- URL: https://journal-vniispk.ru/2587-6953/article/view/297444
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.20310/2587-6953-2025-11-2-428-439
- ID: 297444
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The tradition of veneration of St. Marfa of Tambov in the Tambov Archdiocese in the context of preserving and developing the traditions of Russian national spiritual culture is examined, which is very relevant against the background of the global trend towards the weakening of national and religious identity. The purpose of the study is to systematize and consistently present information about the life’s exploits, acquisition of relics, church canonization and the veneration of St. Marfa (Aparina) in the Tambov Archdiocese.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. The research material includes liturgical texts and church documents (biography, Akathist, prayers of St. Marfa of Tambov, journals of the Holy Synod), and publications in the Tambov Diocesan Gazette (2006–2023). The research uses historical-chronological, ideographic methods, as well as content analysis.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Veneration of St. Marfa in the Tambov diocese began immediately after her repose and did not weaken even during the years of Soviet rule: her grave at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Tambov was always visited by people to whom she performed miracles of healing. In 1988, St. Marfa was glorified as a saint for local veneration. On July 1, 2006, celebrations were held at the Holy Ascension Convent in honor of the finding of her relics. Two churches were consecrated in honor of the saint in the Tambov Archdiocese. The name of the blessed old woman is borne by the regional Tambov Perinatal Center. Veneration of St. Marfa is currently spreading in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
CONCLUSION. The veneration of St. Marfa in wide public circles testifies that the values of national spiritual culture are preserved on the Tambov land.
About the authors
S. I. Vasnev
Tambov Seminary of Tambov Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church
Author for correspondence.
Email: admin@eparhia-tmb.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8850-0418
Theodosius (Sergey I. Vasnev), Metropolitan of Tambov and Rasskazovo, Dr. Sci. (Theology), Cand. Sci. (Theology), Tambov Diocese Administrator, Professor3 M. Gorkiy St., Tambov, 392000
Russian Federation, 3 M. Gorkiy St., Tambov, 392000, Russian FederationReferences
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