St. Xenia of St. Petersburg

Excerpt from the Akathist to St. Xenia:

"After the death of your husband, O blessed Mother, you sought the life of the angels and rejected the beauty of this world and all that is in it—the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life; and you acquired the understanding of Christ. Wherefore, you hear these praises which we offer unto you:

Rejoice, for you were the peer of Andrei, the fool for the sake of Christ!

Rejoice, for you renounced your own name, referring to yourself as dead!

Rejoice, for you assumed foolishness and took the name of your husband, Andrei!

Rejoice, for you called yourself by a man’s name, renouncing woman’s weakness!

Rejoice, because for the sake of Christ you accepted voluntary poverty!

Rejoice, for you distributed all your substance to good people and to the poor!

Rejoice, for by your foolishness you have taught us to reject the vain wisdom of this age;

Rejoice, good comforter of all who have recourse to you in prayer!

Rejoice, for you were full of wisdom transcending the world!

Rejoice, for you preferred mockery and ridicule to earthly glory!

Rejoice, for you have been glorified by God;

Rejoice speedy helper in times of trouble and despair!

Rejoice, O blessed Ksenia, who ever intercedes for our souls!"