In the world, Irina, was born in 1795 in the village of Nikolskoye of Spassky district of Tambov province. Her parents, Ivan and Daria, were serf peasants.
At seventeen, she was married to a peasant named Fyodor. Irina became an exemplary wife and housekeeper, but the Lord did not bless them with children. After her husband's death, being unjustly accused of theft, she fled to Kyiv, where she hid with the elders. She was found twice and imprisoned, but during her second escape, Irina took monastic vows with the name Paraskeva and received a blessing for holy foolishness for Christ's sake.
She wandered for five years in the village, and then lived in the caves of the Sarov forest for about 30 years, spending her time in prayer. The surrounding peasants and pilgrims deeply honored the ascetic and asked for her prayers.
In the autumn of 1884, she came to the Diveyevo Monastery and remained there until the end of her days. The name of Praskovya Ivanovna became known not only among the people but also in the higher circles of society. Many high-ranking individuals, visiting the monastery, considered it their duty to visit her.
In 1903, she was visited by Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. The blessed one predicted to them the soon birth of an heir and the downfall of Russia. She died a difficult and prolonged death, redeeming the souls of her spiritual children.
She passed away on September 22, 1915, at the age of 120. Her grave is located at the altar of the Trinity Cathedral of the Serafimo-Diveyevo Monastery. In 2004, she was glorified in the rank of locally revered saints, and on October 6 of the same year, she was canonized among the church-wide saints.
