Dear Sisters: On Family -a Letter from St. Macrina the Younger
Dear Sisters: On Family — a Letter from St. Macrina the Younger
Dear Sisters,
Verily I tell you, family is not a mere listing of names inscribed in earthly records, but a sacred ministry of service. I had ten siblings in my family. As the eldest, I needed gifts of endurance and courage. At the age of twelve, I was betrothed to a youth of noble character who learned the laws of men. Yet, before our union could be sealed, the Lord called him to the heavenly kingdom. Instead of grief, my heart was filled with peace, for I understood that my beloved was not dead, but called away by God. As a faithful bride awaits her absent husband, I vowed to stay true and remained in my mother’s home. My mother looked after my soul and I looked after her body. She instructed me in the Wisdom of Solomon and the Psalms. Her toils became my own. I cooked and managed her accounts. I cared for my younger brothers and sisters, and I watched Basil, who liked wandering off in the cliffs like a young eagle testing its wings. Many hours I spent in holy discourse with George, for a tree bends when it is young. Peter, the youngest, knew me as a father, mother, and teacher since he was born when Father passed.
When Naucratius, in the flower of his youth, died in a hunting accident, we were all devastated. He was endowed with gifts of beauty, strength, and speed, and was a favorite brother of mine. In his twenties, he chose a life of solitude and service on the banks of the Iris River. He fed the
old and the feeble of the area with the fish that he caught at sea. It was one of these fishing expeditions that claimed his life. I bottled up my grief and prayed for the courage to comfort my family. Had our father still walked among us, his faith would have been our anchor. It pained me to see my mother drop to the floor like a “noble athlete hit by an unexpected blow.” As with my beloved husband, the Holy Spirit again showed me that young Naucratius was still living. “The soul is not extinguished in death but is transformed, like a seed planted in the earth that grows into new life.” I conveyed that it was better to rejoice in the blessings that she had than to grieve over the ones that were missing.
Since my brothers were grown and departed our home, I was moved by divine inspiration to speak to our mother of a new calling; after all, a fallen wall can be rebuilt. I proposed that we surrender our worldly inheritance in Cappadocia, our luxuries and earthly comforts, to establish a monastery on our remote property in Annisa. There we might devote our days to prayer and service to the village poor, living as Christ taught us.
My mother, a saint walking among us, freed all of our servants from their work so that they might dwell with us in the monastery as sisters in Christ. We fashioned our new life as a living tribute to our departed brother and the infinite love of our Savior. “God’s providence transforms what seems evil into what is good and directs all things toward the ultimate good.”
A little food, and a peaceful head. This truth I had impressed upon Basil after he returned home from all of his studies in Athens, puffed up with worldly knowledge. He demanded his silk robes and golden rings and called for his gold-trimmed chariot and Arabian steed so that he could parade into town to display his learning before the town elders. He wanted to rest his head in his stately bed, to dine with a banquet of meats, dates, and pomegranates. He summoned silverware and his chalice for wine. I was moved to remind him that we had surrendered such earthly trappings in exchange for heavenly treasures when we moved to Annisa. I reproached him, “One who sleeps full while their neighbor is hungry is not one of us.” It would do him well to stop reading books by pagan authors and study the Christian authors in our fine library. By God’s grace, these words touched his heart, and he forsook Athens for Egypt and Syria, seeking the deeper wisdom of monastic life.
Never had I regretted my service to family, even in times of tribulation. The strength God granted me to uplift our household in times of loss was the same divine power that fortified me during the great famine of 369. I knew not how we would provide for our people, but by God’s grace, we had abundant food, and no hungry soul was ever turned from our gate. Peter helped me find abandoned children, fed them, and gave them a secure place to rest. He was instrumental in establishing a separate quarter of the monastery for men. In this way, there was a place for all who sought respite or refuge.
Therefore, beloved sisters, remember that family is a divine action. Serve first those whom God has placed in your immediate care, for the grace earned in such service will help you serve your neighbors, your village, and your country. When weakness assails you, or discouragement darkens your path, call upon the Holy Spirit. He shall make you a handmaid of the Lord, and fill you with the spirit of helpfulness, haste, and humility.
At your eternal service,
Your sister Macrina
Modern Musings: Finding Family Unity in Today’s World
St. Macrina’s life was a testimony to family unity. She kept her family together by serving her mother and working on projects with her brother Peter, such as founding one of the first dual monasteries. St. Macrina was the abyss of the women’s side and Peter ran the men’s quarters. Family unity is harder to achieve today than in the past. First, families used to live in close proximity, sometimes even in the same household. Families today are more likely to live in different cities, states, or even countries due to job opportunities, education, or lifestyle choices. Although technology has helped connect families across lots of distances, overreliance on technology has also caused superficial connections i.e. sending a text instead of giving a phone call. Our busy lives have also caused long work hours and scheduling conflicts. The rise of mobile devices has created a new norm of families reclining to their own spaces and devices for entertainment, whereas before families would watch a show together on one television set. Also, families were larger back then, with multiple generations often living together, creating natural opportunities for bonding and shared caregiving roles. Because of the decline of intergenerational living, nursing homes, senior living communities, and independent living are more common, reducing interaction between generations.
So how can you foster family unity today?
Here are 9 ways to build strong families:
- Prioritize Quality Time
- Regular Family Meetings: Schedule time to check in on each other’s lives, share concerns, and celebrate milestones.
- Meal Times Together: Dedicate at least one meal a day to sit down together without distractions like phones or TV.
- Plan Activities: Organize family game nights, hikes, or movie nights to spend quality time together.
- Embrace Technology Wisely
- Video Calls with Distant Family: Use video platforms to regularly connect with relatives who live far away.
- Shared Digital Spaces: Create a family group chat for daily updates, encouragement, or sharing photos and memories.
- Set Screen-Free Zones: Establish areas or times (like dinner) where everyone disconnects from devices to focus on one another.
- Serve Each Other in Practical Ways
- Acts of Kindness: Surprise a family member with a simple act of kindness or charity, like making their favorite meal or helping with chores for example.
- Share Responsibilities: Take turns with household tasks or support a family member’s workload when they’re overwhelmed.
- Be a Listener: Sometimes, the greatest act of service is giving your full attention to a family member who needs to talk.
- Engage in Community Service Together
- Volunteer as a Family: Participate in activities like serving at a soup kitchen, cleaning up parks, or helping at a local charity.
- Support a Cause: Choose a cause important to your family and work together to make a difference, such as organizing a donation drive.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Spread kindness in your community, like delivering baked goods to neighbors or writing thank-you notes.
- Celebrate Traditions and Create New Ones
- Maintain Rituals: Celebrate holidays, birthdays, or milestones with special traditions that bring everyone together.
- Create New Memories: Start simple traditions, like a weekly gratitude practice or a family recipe night.
- Honor Cultural Practices: Teach and participate in rituals or traditions that connect with your family’s heritage.
- Cultivate Empathy and Understanding
- Express Gratitude: Regularly thank each other for the roles they play in the family.
- Resolve Conflicts Thoughtfully: Practice active listening and open communication to address disagreements respectfully.
- Encourage Vulnerability: Create a safe space for family members to share their feelings without fear of judgment.
- Grow Spiritually Together
- Pray or Meditate Together: Build a spiritual connection by sharing prayer, meditation, or devotions.
- Study Together: Read religious texts or other meaningful literature and discuss how they apply to your family’s life.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect as a family on the things that you’re grateful for, reinforcing positivity and togetherness.
- Build a Shared Vision
- Set Family Goals: Work together to set goals for the household, whether financial, personal, or relational.
- Support Dreams: Encourage and assist each other in achieving individual goals, like career aspirations or personal growth.
- Collaborate on Projects: Tackle projects together, such as redecorating a room or planning a vacation, to help strengthen teamwork.
- Teach and Learn Together
- Skill Sharing: Teach each other skills, like cooking, driving, or DIY crafts.
- Educational Activities: Visit museums, attend workshops, or read books as a family to expand knowledge and bond.
- Mentor Younger Generations: Encourage older family members to share their experiences and wisdom with younger ones.
Historical Postscript: The Life of St. Macrina the Younger:
- Macrina the Younger was born in 327 Caesarea, Cappadocia (What is known as modern-day Turkey)
- Her parents are saints: St. Emmelia (known as the Mother of Saints) and St. Gregory the Elder
- Her brothers are saints: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Peter of Sebaste
- Two out of the three Cappadocian Fathers (influential theologians of the 4th century living in Cappadocia) were her brothers. In fact, many argue that she should be considered the 4th Cappadocian
- She founded a monastery at Annisa (by the Iris River), which influenced her brother St. Basil the Great. He shaped his monastic rules based on his sister’s monastery
- Macrina was the firstborn of ten children
- She stayed with her mother throughout her entire life; her mother claimed she never stopped bearing Macrina for she carried her always
- Her feast day is July 19
- She is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church
- What we know of St. Macrina comes from the writings of her brother St. Gregory of Nyssa. He wrote Life of Saint Macrina and On the Soul and Resurrection, a dialogue with Macrina
- She was named after her paternal grandmother, St. Macrina the Elder, who preserved the teachings of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus
- She received extensive education in scripture and sacred writings, particularly the Wisdom literature of Solomon
- She was betrothed at age 12, but remained unmarried after her fiancé’s death, dedicating herself to Christ
- She was instrumental in the conversion and spiritual formation of her brother Basil after his return from Athens
- She established one of the first double monasteries, housing both men and women in separate quarters
- She developed innovative monastic practices that influenced Eastern monasticism
- She is known for her theological discourse on the soul and resurrection
- She practiced extreme asceticism while maintaining remarkable charity toward others
- She developed a unique form of communal monastic life that emphasized both work and prayer
- She demonstrated exceptional administrative skills in managing the family estate and monastery
- She survived persecution under Emperor Valens, who opposed Orthodox Christianity
- She provided theological education to countless disciples who sought her wisdom
- She is renowned for her healing ministry and care for the sick
- She established schools for orphans and children of the poor
- She developed methods of manuscript preservation and copying
- She interpreted scripture with profound insight, particularly the Psalms
- She practiced and taught contemplative prayer
- She died in 379, the same year as her brother Basil
- She is respected for her role in developing Christian understanding of death and resurrection
- She is commemorated for her influence on both male and female religious life
Further Correspondence: St. Macrina’s Patronage and Associations
St. Macrina the Younger is not traditionally associated with a specific patronage in the way that some saints are (e.g., St. Anthony for lost items or St. Francis for animals). However, her life and legacy might make her an inspirational figure for particular groups or causes:
Possible Patronages or Associations
- Theologians and Scholars:
○ St. Macrina played a significant role as a theologian, deeply influencing her brothers, St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory of Nyssa, in their theological work. She is often recognized for her wisdom and contributions to early Christian thought.
- Older Siblings:
St. Macrina was the eldest of ten siblings. She cared for them and instructed them in religious studies. She often reprimanded St. Basil when his ego was puffed up from his studies. She uplifted St. Gregory when Emperor Valens stripped him of his position as a Bishop of Nyssa.
○ As an educator, especially for her brothers, St. Macrina might be seen as a model for teachers and mentors, particularly in faith and moral instruction.
3. Ascetics and Monastics:
○ Her commitment to a life of prayer, fasting, and asceticism makes her an inspirational figure for those who pursue a monastic or ascetic lifestyle.
- Family Unity and Service:
○ St. Macrina never left her mother’s side. She helped her with housework, finances, and child-rearing.
- Women in Leadership Roles:
○ As a woman who profoundly shaped the spiritual and intellectual lives of others, she serves as an example for women in leadership, particularly within religious and educational contexts.
- Charity:
○ St. Macrina’s monastery was widely known for its generosity. They fed the country during a famine, picking up those laid out on the side of the road and children abandoned by their parents.
copyright 2025 Janet Tamez
Edited by Angela Lano