Ekaterina Dekalina Orthodox saint Date of Birth: 01.11.1875

1. Early Life and Calling
2. Monastic Life
3. Persecution and Imprisonment
4. False Accusations and Execution
5. Martyrdom
6. Saintly Recognition

Early Life and Calling

Ekaterina was born in November 1875 into a devout peasant family in the Simbirsk province. At a tender age, she resolved to dedicate her life to Christ. Upon learning of her desire, her parents initially objected but later consented.

Monastic Life

In 1890, Ekaterina became a novice at the Spassky Convent in Simbirsk. She was known for her diligence, serenity, and devotion.

Persecution and Imprisonment

Following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, believers faced severe persecution. The Spassky Convent was closed in 1918, and its inhabitants were dispersed.

Ekaterina and another nun, Anastasia, worked briefly for the government but were dismissed when their religious activities were discovered. They lived in poverty but continued to support orphanages.

False Accusations and Execution

In 1937, a fabricated case of "counterrevolutionary activity" led to the arrest of numerous individuals, including both laypeople and clergy. Ekaterina was taken into custody and interrogated.

Martyrdom

On December 18, 1937, Ekaterina and 77 others were sentenced to execution by firing squad. They were killed in the basement of the Ul'yanovsk NKVD on the night of February 17-18, 1938. Their burial site remains unknown.

Saintly Recognition

Ekaterina was canonized as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church, with her feast day celebrated on February 17 (February 4 in the old calendar).