By Caroline Liberatore (Rated G)
In the early 9th century, Princess Anna Vsevolodna was born into prominent status as the daughter of Kievan Great Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich and granddaughter of the Byzantine Emperor. Although much of Princess Vsevolodna’s history remains elusive, there are some qualities of character which have distinguished her in Church history. Despite the fact that she was born into an esteemed family, which certainly bore a plethora of expectations, Princess Vsevolodna chose not to marry and instead commit herself to a monastic lifestyle. She took up this way of life at a monastery built for her by her father, located in Kiev. She fled from this place to Constantinople after it was decimated during the Tatar invasion.
Upon returning to Kiev, she transposed much of what she saw in Constantinople in order to found a convent school for girls. She prioritized excellence in education, arts, and handiwork crafts. Princess Vsevolodna effectively capitalized on her untethered life as a nun to pour into her community and the upcoming generation of women. She died November 3, 1112.
May we, as Princess Anna Vsevolodna, be faithful with the way of life which the Lord leads us in, even amidst unexpected turns.
Sources:
oca.org/saints/lives/2020/11/03/108919-princess-anna-vsevolodna
geni.com/people/Anna-Vsevolodovna-of-Kiev/6000000002135641710
(Image) johnsanidopoulos.com/2020/11/holy-princess-anna-vsevolodna-1112.html?m=1
LogoSophia Magazine 