The venerable Juliana and Eupraxia were the biological sisters of Saint Alexius, Metropolitan of Moscow, and came from a noble family of Chernigov boyars. In the pious family of the saint's parents, there were five sons and two daughters: Julia (in monastic tonsure Eupraxia) and Uliana (Juliana).
The sisters established a monastery in honor of Saint Alexius, the man of God, the patron of their brother in monasticism. The monastery was built in Ostrozhye, a place that was secluded and quiet, conducive to the creation of the monastery. The first abbess of the monastery was Juliana, who wisely guided the sisters, teaching them monastic life.
Venerable Juliana, having early despised worldly pleasures, followed the example of ancient ascetics in managing the monastery. She skillfully discerned the approach to the nuns of the monastery, uniting them into a spiritual family. All matters in the monastery were carried out with the advice and blessing of their elder brother.
The sisters shone with their ascetic life, and due to their mercy, meekness, and spiritual wisdom, they were honored by the people as saints. They were always ready to help the hungry and suffering, becoming comforters and intercessors.
The abbess passed away in 1393 and was buried near the church. Her death was noted by a chronicler who described her virtuous life. A year after her, her sister, nun Eupraxia, also passed away.
A chapel was erected over the burial place of the sisters, and later, in 1766, a church was built in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Burning Bush.” The venerable ones did not leave the monastery they had established, and the Lord granted them grace-filled gifts, manifested in miracles.
The glorification of the venerable Juliana and Eupraxia was accomplished in 2000. Their memory is celebrated on May 3 (16).
