Popular Female Orthodox Saints Names – Discover Inspiring Saints Of The Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church honors many female saints who have dedicated their lives to the service of God and became beacons of faith for believers. These inspiring women serve as examples of strength, piety, and devotion, and their names continue to be popular choices for Orthodox families.

One of the most well-known female saints is Saint Mary Magdalene. She was a close follower of Jesus and witnessed His crucifixion and resurrection. Known for her unwavering faith and repentance, she is revered as the “Apostle to the Apostles” for being the first person to see the resurrected Christ.

Saint Anastasia, whose name means “resurrection” in Greek, is another popular saint in the Orthodox Church. She lived during the time of Roman persecution and courageously stood up for her faith. Despite facing many trials and tribulations, she remained steadfast and continued to spread the teachings of Christ.

Female Orthodox Saints Names

The Orthodox Church has a rich tradition of venerating female saints who have been recognized for their holiness, virtue, and devotion to God. These saints serve as examples and inspiration for all Orthodox Christians, guiding them in their faith journey. Here are some popular female saints names in the Orthodox Church:

1. Saint Katherine of Alexandria
2. Saint Mary Magdalene
3. Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr
4. Saint Olga of Kiev
5. Saint Xenia of St. Petersburg
6. Saint Juliana of Lazarevo
7. Saint Sophia of Rome
8. Saint Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions
9. Saint Paraskevi of Iconium
10. Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria

These female saints are known for their piety, compassion, and their unwavering devotion to Christ. Whether they were martyrs, ascetics, or rulers, they all have left an indelible mark on the Orthodox Church and continue to inspire believers today.

Orthodox Christians often choose to name their daughters after these saintly women in the hope that they will grow up to embody the virtues and spirituality of their namesakes. It is believed that having a saint’s name can provide protection, guidance, and intercession from the heavenly realm.

By honoring these female saints and invoking their prayers, Orthodox Christians seek to deepen their connection with God and strive to live holy lives. The examples set by these women remind believers of the importance of faith, humility, and selflessness in their own spiritual journeys.

Whether it is Saint Katherine, Saint Mary Magdalene, or any other saint, the Orthodox Church holds these women in high esteem and continues to celebrate their lives and legacies. Their stories serve as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the transformative grace of God.

St. Catherine of Alexandria

St. Catherine of Alexandria is one of the most popular female Orthodox saints. She was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in the 4th century. Catherine was known for her great wisdom and her Christian faith. She was highly educated and well-versed in philosophy and theology.

According to tradition, Catherine opposed the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Maxentius. She debated with pagan philosophers and successfully defended her Christian beliefs. Her efforts to convert others to Christianity and her refusal to renounce her faith ultimately led to her martyrdom.

St. Catherine is often depicted with a wheel, which was the instrument of her torture. According to legend, the wheel was destroyed when she touched it, and she was subsequently beheaded. Because of her knowledge and eloquence, St. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, theologians, and scholars.

St. Catherine’s relics were originally housed in the Monastery of St. Catherine at Mount Sinai, but in the 9th century, they were transferred to the city of Alexandria. Today, her relics are venerated at the St. Catherine’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia.

St. Catherine of Alexandria is celebrated on November 25th in the Orthodox Church. She is remembered for her intelligence, courage, and unwavering devotion to her Christian faith. Her story continues to inspire and her intercession is sought by many.

St. Paraskevi of Rome

St. Paraskevi of Rome, also known as St. Paraskevi the New, is a popular female Orthodox saint venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. She was born in Rome during the reign of Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century.

St. Paraskevi dedicated her life to spreading the teachings of Christ and helping others. She was known for her strong faith and miraculous abilities, such as healing the sick and performing other miracles.

During the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius, St. Paraskevi was arrested and brought before the governor for refusing to renounce her Christian faith. She boldly proclaimed her devotion to Christ, which led to her martyrdom.

Legend says that she was tortured and killed in various cruel ways, including being beaten, burned, and thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil. However, each time she miraculously survived the torture.

St. Paraskevi is considered the patron saint of eye diseases, healing, and protection. Many faithful believers invoke her intercession for healing from eye ailments and for protection against evil.

Today, St. Paraskevi is revered as a powerful intercessor and a source of inspiration for Christians around the world. Her steadfast faith and endurance in the face of persecution serve as a reminder to stay committed to Christ and His teachings.

St. Olga of Kiev

St. Olga of Kiev, also known as Olga of Rus, was a powerful and influential ruler in the early medieval period. She is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church for her role in the Christianization of the Russian people.

Born in the 9th century, Olga was married to Igor I, the ruler of Kiev. After her husband’s assassination, Olga became regent for her young son and took over the reins of government. She proved to be a wise and capable leader, expanding the territories of Kievan Rus and establishing diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.

St. Olga’s most significant contribution, however, was her conversion to Christianity. After a trip to Constantinople, she was baptized and became the first Christian ruler of Kievan Rus. Olga’s conversion had a profound impact on the Russian people and set the stage for the eventual Christianization of the entire nation.

As a saint, St. Olga is remembered for her piety, wisdom, and just rule. She is often depicted holding a cross, symbolizing her role in spreading Christianity in Rus. Her feast day is celebrated on July 24th.

St. Olga of Kiev is a shining example of a powerful female leader who used her position to bring about positive change. Her legacy as a saint continues to inspire and guide Orthodox Christians to this day.

St. Xenia of St. Petersburg

St. Xenia of St. Petersburg, also known as Blessed Xenia or Xenia the Fool for Christ, is a beloved saint in the Orthodox Church. Born in the 18th century, she led a life of great asceticism and selflessness.

St. Xenia’s husband, Andrei, died suddenly when she was only 26 years old. Following his death, she distributed all her possessions to the poor and began living as a homeless beggar. Despite facing ridicule and mockery, she dedicated herself to serving others and spent her days praying in churches and cemeteries.

St. Xenia is often depicted wearing her husband’s clothes and a black headscarf, a symbol of her widowhood. She lived in extreme poverty, surviving on the charity of others. Despite her difficult circumstances, she never complained and always maintained a joyful and serene countenance.

Many sought her intercession and she was known for her ability to grant favors and perform miracles. St. Xenia is especially revered as a protector of homeless and abandoned children, and many stories recount her saving children from danger and providing for their needs.

St. Xenia passed away in 1803, and her grave became a place of pilgrimage for those seeking her intercession. Today, she is venerated as a holy fool and a patron saint of St. Petersburg.

St. Xenia’s life serves as an inspiration to all believers, reminding us of the importance of selflessness, faith, and trust in God. Her example teaches us to find joy in simplicity and to serve others with humility. Through her prayers and intercession, she continues to touch the lives of many and inspire devotion to Christ in the Orthodox Church.

St. Juliana of Lazarevo

St. Juliana of Lazarevo, also known as St. Juliana of Murom, was born in the late 15th century in the town of Lazarevo, Russia. She is venerated as a holy fool and a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church.

St. Juliana led an ascetic life, dedicating herself to prayer and acts of charity. She was known for her humility, kindness, and piety. St. Juliana lived a simple life, rejecting material possessions and worldly pleasures. She believed in the importance of serving others and considered it her mission to help the poor, the sick, and the needy.

St. Juliana is especially revered for her gift of prophecy. She had the ability to see into the future and was able to offer guidance and comfort to those who sought her advice. People from all walks of life would come to her seeking her wisdom and spiritual counsel.

St. Juliana is also known for her miraculous healings. Many people claimed to have been cured of various ailments and diseases after seeking her intercession. Her prayers were believed to have the power to bring about healing and restoration.

St. Juliana died on July 2, 1604, and was buried in the Church of the Transfiguration in Murom. She is remembered and honored as a beloved saint who exemplified the virtues of humility, selflessness, and devotion to God.

Today, St. Juliana of Lazarevo is considered a patron saint of the sick, the poor, and those in need of spiritual guidance. Her life serves as an inspiration to all who strive to follow the teachings of the Orthodox Church and seek to live a life of faith and compassion.

St. Seraphima of Sarov

St. Seraphima of Sarov was a beloved Russian saint known for her deep spirituality and great asceticism. She was born in 1759 and lived a life dedicated to prayer, fasting, and self-denial.

St. Seraphima is often remembered for her commitment to the monastic life. She became a nun at the age of 17 and spent many years living in seclusion, praying and striving for spiritual perfection. She was known for her humility and her ability to heal others’ spiritual ailments through her prayers and intercessions.

St. Seraphima’s spiritual gifts were well-known throughout Russia, and many people traveled to Sarov to seek her guidance and blessings. She was known for her prophetic abilities and her ability to see into the hearts of those who came to her for help.

St. Seraphima’s life was marked by her deep love for God and her devotion to the Orthodox faith. She believed that true spiritual growth could only come through a life of prayer, humility, and self-sacrifice. She taught others to seek God’s presence in every aspect of their lives and to strive for holiness in all things.

St. Seraphima died in 1833, but her legacy lives on. She is still revered as a great spiritual guide and intercessor in the Orthodox Church. Many people continue to be inspired by her life and teachings and seek her prayers and blessings.

Lord, help us to follow in the footsteps of St. Seraphima of Sarov, that we may grow in love and devotion to you and seek your presence in all things.

St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene, also known as Mary of Magdala, is one of the most well-known and beloved female saints in the Orthodox Church. She is often referred to as the Apostle to the Apostles because she was the first witness of the resurrected Jesus Christ and was sent by him to announce his resurrection to the other disciples.

St. Mary Magdalene was a faithful follower of Jesus throughout his ministry and was one of the women who supported him and his disciples with her resources. She was present at his crucifixion and burial, and after his resurrection, she was the first to see and speak with him. Jesus entrusted her with the news of his resurrection and sent her to tell his disciples.

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!'” – John 20:18

St. Mary Magdalene is often depicted with a jar of ointment, symbolizing her anointing of Jesus’ feet, and a skull, symbolizing her contemplation of death and the fleeting nature of earthly life. She is also recognized as a repentant sinner, although the Bible does not specifically identify her as such.

St. Mary Magdalene is venerated in the Orthodox Church on July 22nd, as well as on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women, which falls on the second Sunday after Pascha (Easter).

Her life and example serve as an inspiration for all believers, as she exemplifies faithfulness, devotion, and the transformative power of encountering Christ.

St. Elizabeth the New Martyr

St. Elizabeth the New Martyr, also known as the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna Romanova, was a member of the Russian imperial family and a devout Orthodox Christian. Born on November 1, 1864, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Elizabeth was the second daughter of Grand Duke Louis IV of Hesse and Princess Alice of the United Kingdom.

After marrying Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, Elizabeth converted to Orthodox Christianity and dedicated her life to helping the poor and the sick. She co-founded the Martha and Mary Convent in Moscow, which focused on offering medical care and spiritual support to those in need.

St. Elizabeth’s charitable work made her beloved by the Russian people, but it also made her a target during the Russian Revolution. When her husband was assassinated in 1905, Elizabeth became a nun and continued her charitable activities. However, she was arrested by the Bolsheviks in 1918 and imprisoned in Alapaevsk with other members of the imperial family.

On July 18, 1918, St. Elizabeth and the others were taken to a mine shaft and thrown alive into an abandoned mine, where they were left to die. Despite the horrific conditions, St. Elizabeth remained hopeful and optimistic, providing comfort and guidance to her fellow prisoners until the end.

St. Elizabeth was canonized as a martyr and passion-bearer by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in 1981 and by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1992. Her feast day is celebrated on July 5.