Matushka
Elizabeth was a simple, pious woman in Christ, the wife of St. John of
Kronstadt.
The daughter
of an archpriest, Elizabeth moved with her family from the Gdovak district to
Kronstadt where her father served at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for some time.
There she met her future husband, John Ilyitch Sergiev (later St. John of
Kronstadt) who took up her father’s post at the Cathedral in 1855 when illness
forced him to retire.
At the outset
of their marriage Fr. John suggested they live as brother and sister,
companions and co-strugglers, abstaining from marital relations, saying “Liza,
there are enough happy families in the world without us. Let us together devote
our lives to serving God.” Matushka Elizabeth agreed. This manner of life
afforded St. John and Matushka the opportunity to deepen their commitment to
fulfill the commandments to love God and love neighbour. Fr. John would
tirelessly pray for and serve their parishioners, and keeping pace with his
good works, Matushka Elizabeth would tirelessly care for her husband and offer
hospitality.
Much
inspiration flows from their devout and pious example. In particular it is
noteworthy to observe that despite the simplicity of Matushka Elizabeth’s care
and concern for her husband, the depth of love shown in her service toward him
is encouraging. She would bake his favorite apple pie, rush to take his boots
off when he returned home, and zealously guard his periods of rest.
Much holy
work can be done in the shadow cast of a
husband’s holy rasso.
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