St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria
Commemorated April 6
Saint Platonida was at first a deaconess, but afterwards withdrew into the Nisibis desert, where she organized a women’s monastery.
The Rule of her monastery was distinguished for its strictness. The sisters partook of food only once a day. When they were not praying, they spent their time in monastic labors and various obediences.
On Fridays, the day commemorating the sufferings of Christ the Savior on the Cross, all work stopped, and the monks were in church from morning until evening, where between services they read from Holy Scripture and from commentaries on it.
St Platonida was for all the sisters a living example of strict monastic asceticism, meekness, and love for neighbor. Having reached a great old age, St Platonida died peacefully in the year 308.
Troparion
In thee, O mother, was manifestly preserved what is in the image of God; for, having taken up the cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thine own example hast taught that the flesh is to be despised as transient, but that particular care should be bestowed on the soul, as a thing immortal; wherefore together with the angels rejoiceth also thine, O religious Platonida, spirit.
Kontakion
For the love of God thou didst, O religious one, detest the device for rest, having by fasting made thy spirit luminous, for thou didst inflict a severe defeat on the beasts; but through thine intercessions destroy the plots of the enemies.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
