Venerable Maria of Gatchina

Maria of Gatchina, born Lidia Aleksandrovna Lelanova (1874, Saint Petersburg – April 19, 1932, ibid.), was an Orthodox monastic and new martyr. Born into a wealthy merchant family, she attended a girls' gymnasium. At the age of 16, while still a student, she developed Parkinson's disease following complications from encephalitis. Medical treatment, including care abroad, proved unsuccessful, and the teenager lost the ability to move independently. She remained, however, in full mental and psychological health. According to her first hagiographer, Father Mikhail Polsky, the progression of her illness led her to become exceptionally humble; she bore her condition without complaint and began spending long hours in prayer. In 1913, she moved with her family to Gatchina. Nine years later, with the blessing of Metropolitan Benjamin of Petrograd, she took monastic vows before Archimandrite Makary (Voskresensky), receiving the name Maria. She remained in Gatchina, spending all her time in prayer and speaking with people who sought her spiritual support. Among the faithful who visited her were representatives of all social groups, including Orthodox priests and bishops. Recognized as a saint during her lifetime, Nun Maria was known beyond the borders of the Saint Petersburg eparchy and was credited with the gifts of prophecy and miracle-working. In 1927, after Metropolitan Sergius of Moscow issued a declaration of loyalty to the Stalinist authorities, Nun Maria condemned his actions and supported the non-commemorating clergy centered around Metropolitan Joseph of Leningrad. She considered only the imprisoned Metropolitan Peter (Polyansky) to be the legitimate guardian of the patriarchal throne in Moscow. In the early 1930s, her health deteriorated further, yet she did not change her way of life. On February 19, 1932, she was arrested along with her sister on charges of anti-Soviet agitation, which included her preaching of the Gospel.