July 8(June 25 according to the Julian calendar) The Russian Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Murom holy spouses Peter and Fevronia, who lived at the turn of the 12th-13th centuries. Their marriage is a model of Christian marriage. Saints Peter and Fevronia were revered in Rus' as the patrons of married life; It was believed that with their prayers they brought down heavenly blessings on those entering into marriage.

The life story of Peter and Fevronia existed for many centuries in the legends of the Murom land, where they lived and where their relics were preserved. Over time, real events acquired fabulous features, merging in people's memory with the legends and parables of this region. In the 16th century, the love story of Peter and Fevronia was described in detail and colorfully in the famous ancient Russian “The Tale of Peter and Fevronia” by a talented writer, widely known in the era of Ivan the Terrible, priest Ermolai the Prereshny (in monasticism Erasmus). Researchers argue about which of the historical figures the life was written about: some are inclined to think that it was Prince David and his wife Euphrosyne, monastically Peter and Fevronia, who died in 1228, others see them as the spouses Peter and Euphrosyne, who reigned in Murom in XIV century.

According to the Lives of the Saints, the blessed Prince Peter was the second son of Murom Prince Yuri Vladimirovich. He ascended the Murom throne in 1203. Several years before his reign, Peter fell ill with leprosy, from which no one could cure him. In a dream, it was revealed to the prince that he could be healed by the beekeeper’s daughter Fevronia, a peasant woman from the village of Laskovoy in the Ryazan land. Fevronia was beautiful, pious and kind, besides, she was a wise girl, she knew the properties of herbs and knew how to treat ailments, wild animals listened to her. The prince fell in love with Fevronia for her piety, wisdom and kindness and vowed to marry her after healing. The girl healed the prince, but he did not keep his word. The illness resumed, Fevronia again cured the prince, and he married the healer.

After the death of his brother, Peter inherited the reign. The boyars respected their prince, but the arrogant boyar wives disliked Fevronia, not wanting to have a peasant woman as their ruler. The boyars demanded that the prince leave her. Peter, having learned that they wanted to separate him from his beloved wife, chose to voluntarily renounce power and wealth and go into exile with her. Peter and Fevronia left Murom, sailing on a boat along the Oka River. Soon, unrest began in Murom, the boyars quarreled, seeking the vacated princely throne, and blood was shed. Then the boyars, who came to their senses, gathered a council and decided to call Prince Peter back. The prince and princess returned, and Fevronia managed to earn the love of the townspeople. They ruled happily ever after.

In their old age, Peter and Fevronia took monastic vows in different monasteries with the names David and Euphrosyne, and prayed to God that they would die on the same day, and bequeathed themselves to be buried together in a specially prepared coffin with a thin partition in the middle.

They each died in their own cell on the same day and hour - July 8 (Old Style - June 25) 1228.

People considered it impious to bury monks in one coffin and violated the will of the deceased: their bodies were placed in different monasteries. However, the very next day they ended up together. Twice their bodies were carried to different temples, but twice they miraculously found themselves nearby. So they buried the holy spouses together in the city of Murom near the Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Approximately 300 years after their death, Peter and Fevronia were canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. Now the relics of Saints Peter and Fevronia rest in the Holy Trinity Convent in Murom.

On this day, it is customary for Orthodox believers, first of all, to visit churches. In their prayers, young people ask God for great love, and older people ask for family harmony. The day of Peter and Fevronia is popularly considered lucky for love. Also, according to popular belief, from this day you should wait for forty hot days.

On March 26, 2008, at a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy, the Federation Council unanimously approved the initiative to establish a new state holiday on July 8, the Day of the Patron Saints Peter and Fevronia - “All-Russian Day of Married Love and Family Happiness.” The first celebration will take place on July 8 this year in Murom, the homeland of Saints Peter and Fevronia.

Holy saints
Prince PETER and Princess FEVRONIYA,
Murom miracle workers (†1227)

The Holy Blessed Prince Peter (monastically David) and the Holy Blessed Princess Fevronia (monastically Euphrosyne) are Russian Orthodox saints, Murom miracle workers.

The life story of the holy princes Peter and Fevronia is a story of fidelity, devotion and true love, capable of sacrifice for the sake of a loved one.

The love story of this married couple is described in detail by the greatest author of the 16th century, Ermolai Erasmus, in the ancient Russian "Tales of Peter and Fevronia" . According to the Tale, the couple reigned in Murom at the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th centuries, they lived happily and died on the same day.

The blessed Prince Peter was the second son of Murom Prince Yuri Vladimirovich. He ascended the Murom throne in 1203. A few years earlier, Saint Peter fell ill with leprosy - the prince's body was covered with scabs and ulcers. No one could heal Peter from a serious illness. Enduring the torment with humility, the prince surrendered to God in everything.

In a dream vision, it was revealed to the prince that he could be healed by the beekeeper’s daughter, the pious maiden Fevronia, a peasant woman from the village of Laskovoy in the Ryazan land. Saint Peter sent his people to that village.

Fevronia, as payment for the treatment, wished that the prince would marry her after the healing. Peter promised to marry, but in his heart he was lying, since Fevronia was a commoner: “Well, how is it possible for the prince to take the daughter of a poison dart frog as his wife!”. Fevronia healed the prince, but since the beekeeper’s daughter saw through Peter’s wickedness and pride, she ordered him to leave one scab undiluted as evidence of sin. Soon, from this scab, the whole illness resumed, and the prince returned to Fevronia with shame. Fevronia cured Peter again, and even then he married her.

Together with the young princess, Peter returns to Murom.Prince Peter fell in love with Fevronia for her piety, wisdom and kindness. The holy spouses carried love for each other through all trials.

After the death of his brother, Peter became autocrat in the city. The boyars respected their prince, but the arrogant boyars' wives disliked Fevronia and, not wanting to have a peasant woman as their ruler, taught their husbands evil things. The proud boyars demanded that the prince release his wife. Saint Peter refused and the couple were expelled. They sailed on a boat along the Oka River from their hometown. Saint Febronia supported and consoled Saint Peter. But soon the city of Murom suffered the wrath of God, and the people demanded that the prince return along with Saint Fevronia. Ambassadors arrived from Murom, begging Peter to return to reign. The boyars quarreled over power, shed blood and were now again looking for peace and tranquility. Peter and Fevronia humbly returned to their city and ruled happily ever after, observing all the commandments and instructions of the Lord impeccably, praying incessantly and giving alms to all the people under their authority, like a child-loving father and mother.

The holy spouses became famous for their piety and mercy. Whether they had children - oral tradition did not convey information about this. They achieved holiness not by having many children, but by mutual love and maintaining the sanctity of marriage. This is precisely its meaning and purpose.

When old age came, they took monasticism with the names David and Euphrosyne and begged God to die at the same time. They decided to bury themselves together in a specially prepared coffin with a thin partition in the middle. Marriage vows, even after tonsure, remain valid for them, because they also fulfill their last promise to each other - to die at the same time.

They died on the same day and hour, June 25, 1228 , each in his own cell. People considered it impious to bury monks in the same coffin and dared to violate the will of the deceased. Twice their bodies were carried to different temples, but twice they miraculously found themselves nearby. So they buried the holy spouses together in one coffin near the Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thus, the Lord glorified not only His saints, but also once again sealed the holiness and dignity of marriage, the vows of which in this case turned out to be no lower than monastic vows.

Peter and Fevronia were canonized at a church council in 1547. Saints' Day is June 25 (July 8).

Saints Peter and Fevronia are an example of Christian marriage. With their prayers they bring down Heavenly blessings on those entering into marriage.

The holy noble princes Peter and Fevronia are revered by the Church as the patrons of Christian marriage. It is they who should pray for peace to be sent into the family, for strengthening marital ties, and for achieving family happiness. They are placed on a par with the apostles and martyrs and other great saints. And they were awarded such glorification “for the sake of courage and humility” that they showed in keeping the commandments of God regarding marriage. This means that each of those who strive in Christian marriage and follow their example can be placed in this rank and can win the crown that Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom were awarded.

Their the relics are located in the city of Murom in the Trinity Convent . In pre-revolutionary times, the Day of Remembrance of the Murom Wonderworkers was one of the main citywide holidays. On this day, a fair was held in Murom, and many surrounding residents flocked to the city. It can rightfully be said that the relics of the holy princes were a citywide shrine and the main Orthodox symbol of the city.

Located in Moscow revered icon of the holy princes Peter and Fevronia with a particle of relics in the Church of the Ascension of the Lord on Bolshaya Nikitskaya(“Little Ascension”), where every Sunday at 17.00 an akathist is served to them.

In 2008, with the support of the wife of the Russian President Svetlana Medvedeva, a new holiday was established - Day of Family, Love and Fidelity , falling on July 8 - the day of remembrance of the holy noble princes Peter and Fevronia. This holiday is part of the forgotten tradition of our people. Previously, engagements took place on this day, and after the end of Peter's fast, couples were married in church. The symbol of the holiday was the simple and close chamomile - as a symbol of summer, warmth, comfort, purity and innocence.

Material prepared by Sergey SHULYAK

for the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills

Troparion, tone 8
Just as you were of pious origin and most honorable, / having lived well in piety, blessed Peter, / so with your wife, the wise Fevronia, / you have pleased God in the world / and have been honored with the life of the venerables. / With them, pray to the Lord / to preserve your fatherland without harm, / that we may continually honor you.

Kontakion, tone 8
Thinking of the reign of this world and temporal glory, / for this sake you lived piously in the world, Peter, / together with your wife, the wise Fevronia, / pleasing God with alms and prayers. / Likewise, even after death, lying inseparably in the tomb, / you invisibly give healing ,/ and now pray to Christ, // to save the city and the people who glorify you.

Prayer to the Holy Blessed Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia of Murom
O great saints of God and wonderful miracle workers, blessed Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia, representatives and guardians of the city of Murom, and about all of us, zealous prayer books for the Lord! We come running to you and pray to you with strong hope: bring your holy prayers to the Lord God for us sinners and ask us from His goodness for all that is good for our souls and bodies: rightful faith, good hope, unfeigned love, unshakable piety, success in good deeds, peace of peace, fruitfulness of the earth, prosperity of the air, health to souls and bodies and eternal salvation. Intercede with the Heavenly King: may His faithful servants, in sorrow and sorrow cry out to Him day and night, hear the pained cry and may our belly be delivered from destruction. Ask the Church of Saints and the entire Russian Empire for peace, silence and prosperity, and for all of us a prosperous life and a good Christian death. Protect your fatherland, the city of Murom, and all Russian cities from all evil, and overshadow all the faithful people who come to you and worship you with the power of your auspicious prayers, and fulfill all their requests for good. Hey, holy wonderworkers! Do not despise our prayers offered to you with tenderness, but be worthy of us as intercessors to the Lord in your dreams and make us worthy, through your holy help, to receive eternal salvation and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven; Let us glorify the ineffable love for mankind of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity we worship God, forever and ever. A min.

In the Orthodox family tradition, it is customary to venerate the holy Murom princes Peter and Fevronia, whose lives will be presented below. You will find out why they are so loved by Christians, why even monks reverence them. In addition, we will share with you how and where it is best to ask the saints about the arrangement of your personal life, about creating a family and the well-being of spouses.

Who are they?

The life of Peter and Fevronia of Murom tells that these people not only ruled the city of Murom, but also did good deeds. Just imagine sovereigns who would wish goodness, peace and love to everyone. They always heard the misfortune of others and tried to help everyone. Peter and Fevronia, as life tells, became worthy successors to princes Konstantin and Elena, Vladimir and Olga. By the way, they are also canonized.

Perhaps this is why even to this day the city of Murom is in a fertile atmosphere. Every pilgrim who comes here at least once will forever remember the feeling of peace and joy that is fragrant in the vicinity of the old city. Especially where the ancient monasteries are located: Holy Trinity, Annunciation and Spaso-Preobrazhensky.

Below will be presented a brief summary of the life of Peter and Fevronia of Murom. And later we will study the story in more detail, which will introduce you closer to these saints. So, the content is as follows:

1. Prince Pavel (brother of Prince Peter) and his wife, who suffered from the devil.
2. Agrikov's sword and the destruction of the devil.
3. The beginning of Prince Peter's illness with leprosy.
4. Search for a doctor in Ryazan villages.
5. Getting to know Fevronia. Wise words from a simple village girl.
6. Prince Peter's refusal to marry a simpleton and the return of his illness.
7. Submission to the will of God. Wedding of Peter and Fevronia.
8. Co-government.
9. Expulsion of princes from Murom by boyars.
10. Their return by the same boyars to the city.
11. Old age. Preparation for monastic life.
12. An honest burial and a miraculous union of saints in a common tomb.

Approximately the same content can be found in various sources. In addition, it will help you if you need to write an essay or presentation on such a useful and beneficial topic.

Short story

It is worth noting that the story about these saints was written in his time by the ascetic Ermolai-Erasmus. According to the events he described, a life later appeared, that is, in modern worldly language, a biography. Now let's begin studying the short lives of Peter and Fevronia of Murom.

Prince Peter had a brother - Prince Pavel. One day the evil serpent began to visit the latter’s wife. The fact is that this enemy took on the guise of Paul himself, so that the woman would not guess. But the wise wife understood everything, she turned to her husband for help. For a long time the prince could not understand how to drive out the devil. One day he had a miraculous vision, telling him that the death of the serpent would be from Peter’s shoulder and Agric’s sword.

At first no one could understand what kind of sword we were talking about. Prince Peter once went into the temple to pray. Friend, he saw that same Agric sword. Taking it, he returned home, waited for the serpent to appear in the guise of his brother and killed him. When dying, the monster splashed poisonous blood on Peter. From then on, Prince Peter was ill with leprosy. Unfortunately, no one could help him.

Having gone in search of a doctor, he ended up in the village of Laskovo near Ryazan. I found the poison dart frog's house. They said that his daughter healed the sick. Prince Peter sent a servant in his place. The girl was at home. A very strange conversation ensued, but the wise maiden Fevronia explained what Peter should do. The prince and his servant followed all the girl’s recommendations, after which healing followed. But no one knew that Fevronia was a holy servant of God, she foresaw the will of the Lord and told the prince something like this: marry me, then you will be healed. The prince promised. Indeed, recovery has come. But Peter decided not to marry Fevronia. The disease has returned.

Further, the lives of Peter and Fevronia tell that the wedding took place. The young couple began to rule Murom. But the boyars and their wives really didn’t like the fact that a simple village girl was taller than them. They asked Prince Peter to leave his wife for them. But Peter did not do this. The boyars expelled their princes. Saints Peter and Fevronia stopped by the river. Prince Peter fell into despair, but Fevronia supported him. Together they were able to survive this misfortune.

One day, the boyars arrived for them, asking for forgiveness for their actions. There was chaos and massacres in the city; a worthy ruler was never found. Then everyone realized that only Peter and Fevronia could rule Murom.

In old age, the holy princes firmly decided to serve God in the monastery, so they took monastic vows with the names David and Euphrosyne. When Prince Peter felt death approaching, he sent a letter to his wife at the nunnery. Fevronia was embroidering the air at that moment. Having finished work, she notified her husband. Then they fell asleep at the same time.

Even before his death, Prince Peter made one wide coffin for two with a partition in the middle. But the townspeople and the inhabitants of the monasteries transferred them to different coffins. Miraculously, the deceased spouses found themselves together again. Thus, everyone understood: a miracle had happened, explaining that loving spouses should be together not only on earth, but also in the afterlife.

The meaning of the story

Here is an interesting life of Peter and Fevronia. But here it is important to grasp the essence and understand that this is not a fairy tale, but a reality that took place about eight centuries ago.

What is the meaning behind the story? Notice the key points: godly and faithful marriage. Remember how the boyars gave the prince an ultimatum: either we, or leave with her! And Peter, as a faithful and loving spouse, chose exile. It is important for him to be together with the one whom the Lord sent him as a wife. This is perhaps the most important lesson for us - loyalty! And loyalty will come from love for the person closest to you.

Who prays to them

Nowadays, you can often hear that they always pray to Peter and Fevronia for family well-being. But is it only allowed for spouses to ask the saints for help? Of course not. Single people who want to find their happiness also sincerely ask for a second half in prayers to the saints.

Often parents, close relatives of married couples and single people also turn to them to ask God for happiness for them. By the way, many of those who revere this married couple know the life of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom and try to imitate them.

Where to pray

You can pray at home, but it is better to go to a temple where services are held. In modern Orthodox Russia, it is customary in some churches to regularly perform a prayer service to Saints Peter and Fevronia. Life is an excellent assistant in preparation. In addition, an akathist is also read. In the text of this type of prayer one can find already familiar scenes from the story of Ermolai-Erasmus.

At the end of the reading of the akathist, the prayer itself is performed to the holy spouses. Everyone who comes to church services sincerely hopes to receive what they ask for, to receive support from the saints.

Whom do the saints hear?

Remember from the brief quotation from the lives of Peter and Fevronia of Murom that during their lifetime the spouses always listened to people’s pleas for help, and they always consoled the deprived, the offended, the poor, and gave what they asked for the good. Having passed into the Kingdom of God, they did not stop helping people. From Heaven they hear all our prayers and intercede for us before the Lord.

But the greatest support is received by spouses who got married in the Orthodox Church. They become patrons and protectors of the family.

Who should read the life

The story of the Murom princes will be interesting to listen to not only for adults who want to find a family, but even for children. From a young age, it is advisable to talk about what a family should be like, so that in the future they will bear their cross with dignity, be faithful and know how to love.

The Life of Peter and Fevronia is a reference book for every family. You can re-read it again and again to refresh your memory and notice something new for yourself. May these saints of God become true friends for each of you!

You have read the summary of the lives of Peter and Fevronia. We wish you family well-being, patience and mutual love with your loved ones and spouses!

The history of Russia is rich in examples of the amazing lives of many Christian ascetics. One of the most revered are Peter and Fevronia of Murom, whose love story is known throughout the Orthodox world. Thousands of people flock to their miraculous relics every day with requests for help in arranging family life.

Few people do not know who Peter and Fevronia are. These are Russian Orthodox saints who ruled the city of Murom in the 13th century. The amazing life story of the prince and his wife has become a model of a Christian family, marriage and mutual understanding.

Currently, the relics of Peter and Fevronia rest in the Trinity Monastery of the city. During the Soviet period of history, when Christians were persecuted, this shrine miraculously escaped desecration. Wanting to stop the constant pilgrimage to the miraculous relics of the prince and his wife, the authorities moved them to the local history museum, where they were located until the collapse of the USSR.

The holy saints Peter and Fevronia became famous not for any selfless actions, but for their ability to acquire the Grace of God through the virtues of humility, mercy and self-denial.

The story of the eternal love of the ruler of the city of Murom and his wife, which did not stop even after death, became a model for Christians. The spouses gained holiness not through exploits or childbearing, but through loyalty to each other throughout their lives.

The story of Peter and Fevronia

The story begins with a story about St. Peter's brother, Prince Paul. He then ruled Murom, and a prodigal snake-werewolf began to fly to his wife. The monster took on the face of a spouse, and in this image penetrated the woman.

She managed to find out that the snake would die “from Peter’s shoulder, from Agrikov’s sword.” The younger brother found a magic weapon and defeated the snake. But his blood got on the skin of the winner, causing Peter to become covered with ulcers and scabs.

He was healed by the wise maiden Fevronia from the village of Laskovo, having made the prince promise to take her as his wife. But he did not want to marry a commoner and decided to pay off the girl with expensive gifts. As a result, he fell ill again, returned to Fevronia, repented of his actions and married her.

The couple ruled Murom, but the local nobility was dissatisfied with the origins of the prince’s wife. They did not want to obey her and expelled her from the city. Her husband went with her. Without them, riots began in the city - the nobles squabbled over the right to rule Murom.

Realizing their mistake, local residents asked the spouses Peter and Fevronia to return to the city again. The narrative ends with the story of their death. They took monastic vows with the names David and Euphrosyne. They asked the Lord to let them die on the same day and hour, and they bequeathed to bury their bodies in a single coffin, which they had prepared while they were still alive.

The prince and his wife died at the same time, but the residents did not put them together. The next morning, their bodies miraculously ended up in a single coffin, but the townspeople separated them again. The same story repeated itself a second time. Then Peter and Fevronia were buried together, as they had bequeathed. Since then, they have been revered inseparably, and their relics still rest in a single shrine in the Trinity Monastery in the city of Murom.

Useful video: the story of the eternal love of Peter and Fevronia

Miracle Workers Remembrance Day

July 8 (June 25, old style) is a public holiday: Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. On the same day and hour, the holy righteous people, Peter and Fevronia of Murom, departed to the Lord on the same day and hour.

This day was also considered special among the pagan East Slavic peoples. After its arrival, hay harvesting began. In general, many significant Orthodox dates have something in common with this calendar.

The holiday became a state holiday in 2008 on the initiative of the residents of Murom and with the support of Svetlana Medvedeva, the wife of the President of the Russian Federation. The symbol became a simple but beautiful field daisy, pictures of which can be seen everywhere on this day.

This is interesting! Every year on the day of Peter and Fevronia, solemn services are held in the city’s churches, and thousands of pilgrims from all over the country and neighboring countries flock to the relics of the noble princes in the Trinity Monastery. In the evening there is a concert on the embankment.

Researchers delving into historical details find some inconsistencies. The chronicles report that the prince and his wife went to the Lord on Easter week. There was no way it could have fallen on July 8th.

It is quite possible that this is the date of the transfer of the relics of Peter and Fevronia to the new Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. The exact time of its construction is not known, but in the 16th century. it has already been erected. The shrine was located there before the arrival of Soviet power.

There is another day of Peter and Fevronia - September 19. On this day in 1992, their relics were transferred to the Holy Trinity Monastery. It is better to get married on this date, since July 8 falls on Peter's Fast.

The story has now been translated into modern language. The original was written in Old Russian. A detailed story about the holy prince and his wife can be read on the Internet on almost any Orthodox portal.

Those who prefer the paper version should try to find the book in a specialized store or go to the church shop of the nearest temple or monastery. Orthodox monasteries usually have a wide selection of literature, where you can learn in detail or briefly about the lives of all the righteous.

Wikipedia about the holy righteous

Wikipedia reports that no reliable sources pointing to the history of real prototypes of heroes have been found. Researchers have several opinions on this matter:

1. Peter is Prince Davyd, and Fevronia is his wife Euphrosyne. He ruled the city at the beginning of the 13th century (1205–1228). Then he took monastic vows and received the name Peter. No reliable information was found about his wife. Considering that similar names are indicated in Ermolai’s story, we can assume that this version is most similar to the truth.
2. Other scholars are inclined to believe that the holy princes are just folk characters. They were not related to any individuals in real history, but were created in the imagination of people over the centuries.

All information about the life of the righteous is based on information obtained from the legend of Ermolai.

Life history of the holy princes

The life of Saints Peter and Fevronia for every person is an example of a difficult relationship between a man and a woman who managed to overcome the difficulties of earthly life and preserve love even after death. The problems they faced in ancient times remain relevant today. A lot of controversy flares up around their lives.

Most likely, the monk Erasmus did not have accurate information about the events that preceded the marriage of the princes. Therefore, the beginning of the story is more like a fairy tale - it is built on folklore images and allegories.

The further life of the spouses is quite consistent with reality. There is nothing supernatural about it. Following the marriage is a completely logical discontent of the boyars. Peter did not try to suppress the rebellion by force, but simply followed the Christian laws of humility and mercy. He trusts in the will of God, and soon the situation is resolved successfully.

Informative! Strong prayer for successful trading

The last scene from the earthly life of the princes makes the greatest impression. Never parting, they departed to another world in the same way - at the same time.

The canonization of Peter and Fevronia took place in 1547, but they began to be venerated long before that time. In Murom, the amazing life story of the prince and his wife was passed down from mouth to mouth. It was on the basis of these stories that “The Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom” was written in the middle of the 16th century. The compiler of the work was the church writer monk Erasmus (Ermolai the Sinner).

There are many images telling about the life of Peter and Fevronia. Hagiographic icons became especially widespread. In the center of the canvas is an image of the saint, and along the edges are the main moments of his life.

One of these images, which used to hang over the tomb of the righteous, is now in the city’s local history museum. It tells about their lives in chronological order in exact accordance with the story of the monk Erasmus:

Near the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery in the city of Murom, in which it is believed that Prince Peter ended his earthly journey, a bas-relief was erected in memory of these saints. Behind him, on the fence, scenes from the lives of saints are also depicted.

This is how the St. Petersburg artist and icon painter Alexander Prostev depicted the miracle workers:

The story of Peter and Fevronia is adapted for children. But it is only presented in the form of a fairy tale. This is an interesting book in which two storylines are intertwined:

1. About a wise maiden from a simple family.
2. About a terrible monster that was defeated by a brave hero.

This version of the work is included in the primary school curriculum. Therefore, people learn about who Peter and Fevronia are from childhood. The story is accompanied by bright illustrations that allow kids to better understand the essence. Perhaps they will learn lessons from this tale that will influence their future lives.

Another look at the life of the righteous

Some people, far from Orthodoxy, hold a different point of view about the true circumstances of the life of these holy saints of God.

All episodes of this beautiful legend are criticized:

1. The serpent who came to Paul’s wife was either very narrow-minded, or he himself staged the scene of his murder. The sword was found in a nearby temple, and the main character of the story was the only one who could defeat it. But, most likely, this whole story is nothing more than a figment of the author’s fevered imagination.
2. Fevronia is a cunning and selfish girl who wanted to become a noble person. No one but her could heal the sick prince. She took advantage of his helplessness and, through blackmail, forced him to take her as his wife.
3. The prince is a weak-willed hypocrite. Having taken an unloved woman as his wife, all his life he imagined her as a dear wife.

How did such individuals manage to get on the lists of Orthodox saints? In 1547, when they were canonized, Ivan the Terrible was actively working to transform Moscow into the Third Rome. But there were not enough native Russian Orthodox ascetics in the country at that time, so the autocrat issued a decree on the “search” for suitable candidates. The Russian Orthodox Church, trying to curry favor with the sovereign, even canonized fairy-tale characters.

Important! The righteous are prayed for help in family matters, asked for a successful marriage and love.

Useful video: history of the holiday of Peter and Fevronia Day

Conclusion

The lives of the holy righteous should not be taken literally. Is it true or just a beautiful legend, everyone decides in their own way. This story is riddled with symbolism. It reflects the true purpose of the spouses - the fight against their own selfishness and harmony in marriage. The saints showed an example of love not only for God, but also for each other. Therefore, the story about their life has not lost its relevance for many centuries.

Blessed Prince Peter was the second son of Murom Prince Yuri Vladimirovich. He ascended the Murom throne in 1203. A few years earlier, Saint Peter fell ill with leprosy, from which no one could cure him. In a dream vision, it was revealed to the prince that he could be healed by the beekeeper’s daughter, the pious maiden Fevronia, a peasant woman from the village of Laskovoy in the Ryazan land. Saint Peter sent his people to that village.

When the prince saw Saint Fevronia, he fell in love with her so much for her piety, wisdom and kindness that he vowed to marry her after healing. Saint Febronia healed the prince and married him. The holy spouses carried love for each other through all trials. The proud boyars did not want to have a princess of ordinary rank and demanded that the prince let her go. Saint Peter refused and the couple were expelled. They sailed on a boat along the Oka River from their hometown. Saint Febronia supported and consoled Saint Peter. But soon the city of Murom suffered the wrath of God, and the people demanded that the boyars beg the prince to return back with Saint Fevronia.

The holy spouses became famous for their piety and mercy.

They died on the same day and hour, June 25, 1228, having previously taken monastic vows with the names David and Euphrosyne. The bodies of the saints were laid in one coffin.

Saints Peter and Fevronia are an example of Christian marriage. With their prayers they bring down Heavenly blessings on those entering into marriage.