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Solomonia YurievnaGrand Duchess.
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Grand Duchess Solomonia Saburova
- Marriage to Grand Duke Vasily
- Divorce and Monastic Life
- Later Life and Saintly Veneration
- Mystery of Son Yuri
Grand Duchess Solomonia Saburova
Solomonia Saburova, born to a humble courtier, was the first wife of Vasily III, Grand Duke of Muscovy. Her lineage traced back to the Tatar emir Cheta, but precise details of her birth remain unknown.
Marriage to Grand Duke Vasily
On September 4, 1505, Solomonia married Vasily while his father was still alive. However, her prolonged barrenness led to the Grand Duke's desire for divorce, which he first expressed in the fall of 1523.
Divorce and Monastic Life
After the divorce, Solomonia was forcibly tonsured into a nun at the Christmas Monastery in Moscow on October 3, 1525. She was initially exiled to Kargopole but later transferred to Suzdal, where Grand Duke Vasily granted her the village of Vysheslavskoye.
Later Life and Saintly Veneration
Solomonia died on December 18, 1542, at the Intercession Convent in Suzdal. Her remains were buried in the crypt beneath the cathedral church, where Patriarch Joseph later authorized prayers and services in her honor as a saint. Icons depicting Solomonia became common, with widespread veneration as a saint.
Mystery of Son Yuri
A legend believed to be true states that Solomonia, while in monastic confinement, gave birth to a son named Yuri. He lived with her until his premature death at the age of seven. A stone marking Yuri's grave is said to rest near his mother's tomb.
