Feast Day July 17
Saint Marina was born in Qalamoun, North Lebanon, during the 6th century.
Her mother died when Marina was young, and she was raised by her father, a devout Christian. Before leaving to join the monastery of Qannoubine, her father arranged a marriage for her.
Upon learning of this arrangement, Marina disguised herself as a man and joined her father at the monastery. She was known there as “Marinos.” She lived and worshipped alongside him for ten years until his death.
While on a mission for the monastery, Marinos stayed overnight at the house of Paphnotius, a friend of the monks. Paphnotius had a daughter who had committed adultery with a soldier and became pregnant. She accused Marinos of being the father of the child.
The monastery superior was informed of the accusation. Marinos did not defend herself, and the superior considered this an admission of guilt. As a result, Marinos was dismissed from the monastery.
She remained outside the monastery gates, praying and living on the monks’ leftovers. After the child was born, the father gave the boy to Marinos, who raised him for four years until they were both allowed to return to the monastery.
At the hour of her death, Marina asked for forgiveness and forgave those who had wronged her. When her body was prepared for burial, it was revealed that Marinos was actually Marina. The monks and the superior fell to their knees in repentance and awe.
The father of the young woman confessed the truth before everyone. His daughter spent the rest of her life in repentance at Marina’s tomb. The holiness of Saint Marina spread throughout Lebanon, and her tomb at Qannoubine Monastery became a place of healing and grace.
Prayer to Saint Marina
O Christ our God, awesome is Your love, which made You accept death on the Cross, becoming a curse hung upon the wood, yet You remain the innocent and holy Lamb.
We contemplate Your awesome love for Saint Marina, the religious sister of Qannoubine, who lived hidden as a monk while the community remained unaware of her secret. When she faced false accusations, she accepted suffering without defending herself.
Through her prayers, grant us greater humility and strength to face the struggles of this world without complaint. Grant us the serenity of her pure soul, so our daily acts of endurance may become an offering for the glory of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
Adapted from the Hoosoyo of the Feast of Saint Marina.