Saint Matrona was born blind in 1881 in western Russia. During her baptism, the priest saw a cloud appear above her, showing blessings from above. At the age of fourteen, her family visited the city of Kronstadt to see Saint John. Without even seeing her, John yelled “Matrona, come here! She will be my heir, and will become the eighth pillar of Russia.” At the age of seventeen, Matrona became paralyzed from the waist down, unable to walk. She stayed in her room for almost all of her time, with icons surrounding her. Blind and paralyzed, Matrona had the grace of God upon her, seeing many people and prophesying the Russian revolution, as well as many other events. In 1925, she settled in Moscow, living there for around twenty years before beginning to move frequently. She was wanted by the communist government for inspiring faith in people, and secretly lived in the homes of Christians. Many people came to see her, as she was known for performing miracles. She passed away in 1952, having prophesied her death.

Saint Matrona’s feast day is celebrated on April 19.