St. Pelagia Ivanovna of Diveyevo, fool for Christ’s, “a great luminary for the whole world” .

…we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake. (I Cor. 4:9-10)

St. Pelagia Ivanovna of Diveyevo, fool for Christ’s and the disciple of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

Celebrated on January 30(July 8, when the women saints of Diveyevo are remembered )

As a young married woman she visited St. Seraphim, who conversed privately with her for a long time. On parting, the Elder bowed to her and said, “Go, Matushka, to Diveyevo and defend my orphans. God win glorify you there.” And he handed her a prayer rope. As she walked away, a young monk standing outside the elder’s cell asked him who she was. “Trust God, Fr. John,” replied the Saint, “this woman whom you see will be a great luminary for the whole world….She is Pelagia Ivanovna, from Arzamas.”

No one understood her. She was considered to be an ordinary crazy woman and quite unbearable. Gradually, Pelagia Ivanovna began to manifest other spiritual gifts, especially the gift of directing souls. All the sisters came under her spiritual guidance, and she had quite a number of spiritual children among the laity as well.As for the abbess, she did nothing without consulting the blessed one…