On August 11th, our Belarusian Church honours Saint Manetha of Gomel (1984).

 SAINT MANETHA OF GOMEL

On August 11th, our Belarusian Church honours Saint Manetha of Gomel (1984).

Maria Vladimirovna Skopicheva was born on April 1st, 1918, in the village of Sevryuki, Belarus. The baby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and the doctors forewarned the parents that she would never be able to walk. 

Despite her serious condition, Maria grew up to be a cheerful, active and earnest girl. Her parents or one of the neighbours would often take her on their shoulders to the local church.

The future Schema Nun Manetha learned to do sewing and dressmaking at a young age. She had good taste in clothes, and the neighbours would come to her asking for advice on what style to choose or for help in sewing a nice dress. All through her life, Mother Manetha had been embroidering towels for churches of the Gomel region.

Archimandrite Savva (Mazuko) notes that Schema Nun Manetha was a deeply compassionate person. Any visitor to her cell was always given a warm welcome, treated to a meal and comforted by the Mother. She was endowed with a gift of clairvoyance, and miracles were wrought through her holy prayers. But most importantly Mother Manetha was known as a very kind, loving and humble person. Her condition caused her chronic pain, but you could always see a heartfelt smile on her face.

Mother Manetha fell asleep in the Lord on February 25th, 1984. Twenty-three years later, on August 11th, 2007, she was glorified as a saint, and her holy relics now rest in Sts Peter and Paul’s Cathedral in Gomel, Belarus.