It seems fitting, as we celebrate the beginning of our Church Year, to honor the Holy Martyr Ludmilla: Czech royalty in what was then called Bohemia, as she was a founder of parishes and churches throughout her country.
Born a princess, St. Ludmilla and her husband, the Czech prince Borivoy, were the first rulers of Bohemia to adopt Christianity. They both received holy Baptism from Saint Methodius. Soon afterwards, they built Bohemia’s first parish, near modern-day Prague.
Their efforts to spread Christianity among their subjects were met with mixed success. Not long after their conversion, Prince Borivoy died at age 36. Saint Ludmilla had given birth to at least six children during her fourteen years of marriage, and her son Bratislav succeeded his father, ruling for another 33 years.
As a widow, St. Ludmilla led an austere life and continued to be concerned for the Church. Her son Bratislav married a woman named Dragomira, with whom he had a son, Wenceslaus (also known as Good King Wenceslaus). Entrusted with the care of her grandson, Ludmila brought him up as a Christian. After the death of Bratislav, most accounts state that Wenceslaus was still underage, which meant his mother Dragomira became regent. Dragomira began working to re-introduce paganism in the country.
Saint Ludmilla, of course, opposed this. Tradition states that when Saint Ludmilla moved to the city of Techin, Queen Dragomira secretly assigned two henchmen to assassinate her while she was at prayer. Unfortunately, they succeeded in their mission.
The relics of the holy Martyr Ludmilla were buried in Techin’s city wall. Numerous healings occurred at her grave. Prince Wenceslaus, who became known in his own right as an honorable and Christian ruler (before himself being assassinated), transferred his grandmother’s body to the city of Prague, to the church of Saint George. She was canonized shortly after her death and is venerated today as a patroness of Bohemia/Czech Republic, widows, converts, and those who have problems with their in-laws. Her feast day is celebrated on September 16/29th.
As we celebrate her feast day in the first month of this new Church year, we also celebrate all the courageous women and men who have founded parishes across the world. Who founded your parish? Have you ever played a part in founding a new parish yourself? Let us know!
May the prayers of our holy mother Ludmilla be with us all.
Troparion
Through her sufferings, O Lord, your holy martyr Ludmilla, has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. For having Your strength, she laid low her adversaries and shattered the boldness of the powerless demons. Through her intercessions, save our souls!
Icon is from St. Elisabeth Convent.