Saint Charitina of Novgorod

Saint Charitina was born a princess in a Lithuanian royal family. Because of problems in her homeland, she moved to Russia.  Charitina decided to dedicate her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and she became a nun.  She led an ascetic life of great purity.  She became the Abbess of her monastery.  An example of her humility is that her portrait was painted with her wearing plain monastic clothing, rather than the mantia, or cape, that she could have worn as Abbess. Saint Charitina died in 1281 AD. The name "Charitina" is possibly the femine of the ancient Greek name "Chariton," which means "grace" or "kindness." We honor this Holy Virgin Saint on October 5. Holy Virgin Charitina, pray that we may seek glory only from God and not in the clothes we wear.  May we also glorify God by our purity and humility.  Amen.