She was born on February 10/23, 1810, in a peasant family in the Nizhny Novgorod province, in the village of Pogiblovo. There were two other children in the family – a sister, Praskovya, and a brother, Ivan. From childhood, she lived in poverty and worked hard. By the blessing of the venerable Seraphim, Praskovya entered the community of Mother Alexandra, and at the age of 13, Maria came to Seraphim, who saw in her a chosen vessel of grace and did not allow her to return home.
She became part of the community, distinguished by her strict spiritual life, constant prayer, and humility. Seraphim especially loved her and shared with her spiritual secrets. Soon after her arrival, the Queen of Heaven blessed the establishment of a new monastery near the community.
In 1825, after a vision of the Queen of Heaven, Seraphim began the foundation of a new community, where Maria helped in construction and other tasks, remaining in constant prayer. She was endowed with the gift of pure prayer and obedience. She died on August 21, 1829, at the age of 19, having foretold her own death.
Seraphim mourned her death and took care of the funeral, providing funds for their organization. She was buried with honors, and her relics, according to Seraphim's prediction, would rest openly in the monastery. Sister Praskovya, after Maria's death, became a fool for Christ and also received visions.
Brother Ivan also ended his life in monasticism. There were many sisters from the Milukov family in the monastery. In 2000, Maria was canonized as a locally revered saint, and her relics rest in the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in the Serafimo-Diveevo Monastery.
By the prayers of this venerable maiden, may the Lord have mercy on us. Amen.
