Saint Macrina the Younger (330-379)

Feast Day: July 19
Canonization: Pre-Congregation

Saint Macrina the Younger

In 4th-century Cappodocia, located in present-day Turkey, Macrina the Younger was born into a noteable Christian family. Three of her brothers are also canonized saints: Basil, Gregory of Nyssa and Peter of Sebastea.

When she was 12 years old, her father arranged for Macrina to be married, but her betrothed died before the wedding. She had several suitors, but Macrina believed it would not be appropriate for her to marry another man, so instead she devoted her life entirely to Christ.

Macrina was well educated, especially in scripture, and she exercised great influence over her younger brothers. When their father died, Basil took Macrina and their mother to a family estate in Pontus, where Macrina, the family and their servants led a life of asceticism and contemplation.

Around the time of her death in 379, St. Gregory composed a “Dialogue on the Soul and Resurrection” that commemorates Macrina as a wise spiritual teacher. She is honored in the Latin Rite, Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.