Mother Superior
The Venerable Haritina came from a princely lineage and, forced to leave her homeland due to turmoil, moved to Russia. From her youth, she decided to dedicate herself to God and took monastic vows in the Novgorod women's monastery in honor of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Becoming the abbess, she exemplified humility and purity, concealing her spiritual feats. She departed this life on October 5, 1281. Her holy relics were located in the monastery church, which later became a cemetery.
In her works, one of the main characteristics of female sanctity in Russia is revealed: the hiddenness of deeds. The monastic name Haritina, meaning 'The Merciful,' reflects her spiritual activity. Her primary quality is responsiveness, characteristic of Russian women, manifested in compassion and assistance to those who suffer.
The Venerable Haritina is the heavenly patroness of Lithuania and the Lithuanian people.
