It seems that the most visited not only in the Danilovsky cemetery, but in all of Moscow in the last years of the 20th century, became the modest grave of Matryona Dmitrievna Nikonova (1885–1952) - the Blessed Elder Matrona, who was once called by John of Kronstadt “the eighth pillar of Russia” and was recently ranked among the face of the saints. Every day, and especially on holidays, dozens, hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the grave to grieve their mother, ask for her intercession and take a handful of sand from the grave, which, according to many, has miraculous properties.
Danilovskoye Cemetery - burial place of Matrona of Moscow
Finding the relics of the blessed old lady Matrona
Saint Matrona of Moscow predicted her death three days in advance, continuing to receive people in her last days.
Blessed Matrona predicted:
“After my death, few people will go to my grave, only close ones, and when they die, my grave will be deserted, except occasionally someone will come. But after many years, people will find out about me and will come in droves for help in their sorrows and asking the Lord God to pray for them, and I will help everyone and hear everyone.”
The prediction of the blessed saint came true, and Christian pilgrims began to come to the burial site to resolve the problems of sinful existence. Soon the Russian Orthodox Church decided to exhume the holy remains. On March 8, 1998, the relics of Matrona were transferred to the Danilovsky monastery, where the necessary liturgy and memorial service were held. The next day, the sacred remains were solemnly delivered to the church on the territory of the Intercession Monastery. The shrine was placed in a special shrine, which from now on became the object of prayers of Orthodox believers.
Destruction of the relics of the blessed old woman Matrona. Midnight March 8, 1998
A chapel was erected at the grave, consecrated in honor of the blessed Matrona of Moscow. This place has the same miraculous power as the remains, as well as the icons with its image.
Chapel on the former grave of Matrona of Moscow
Orthodox believers still come here today to pray to the blessed old woman and ask her for help. Church candles are always burning there, sincere prayers are read and everything around is buried in the flowers that Matrona loved so much.
Every modern Christian considers it his unwavering duty to visit this place. It is truly holy and miraculous, because miracles happen there every minute:
- those possessed by demons find healing;
- the blind receive their sight;
- young couples get the opportunity to have the children they dream of;
- those who despair gain new strength and self-confidence.
What made the old woman famous and why should we pray to her?
First of all, it must be said that the life of this saint was not particularly easy, even on the contrary, but she never complained. People from the outside felt sorry for her and sympathized with her, but she faithfully served the Lord and accepted with honor all the trials that befell her. She became famous during her lifetime, when miracles were performed through her prayers and appeals to the Lord for us. Such wonderful events did not stop happening even after her death, when people come to the Danilovskoye cemetery, where Matrona of Moscow is buried, and ask her for their most cherished desires. She always tries to help those who sincerely want and believe in help.
So let's start from the very beginning. A girl was born into a family of simple peasants. From birth she could not see because she had no eyeballs. But in return for such an important ability for a person, God endowed her with the gift of healing the sick, as well as the ability to foresee the future. At the age of eight, she had the opportunity to meet John of Kronstadt, who called her his replacement. Maybe in time it would be so, but not fate. There was a revolution and a change of government, which was not so tolerant of the Orthodox, and the persecution of Christians began.
Also read: Prayer for a sick child Matrona of Moscow
Even my mother was unable to avoid them. She hid and only a miracle allowed her to escape arrest. During all this time, she never stopped helping those in need. All the time she came to the aid of those who came to her with their troubles. Even before her death, she said that even after she dies, crowds of people will come to her and ask for help. She will listen to everyone and leave no one behind. And so it happened.
How to get to Danilovsky Cemetery
There are several ways to get to Matronushka’s grave:
- By metro to Tulskaya station, then walk 15 minutes. The first car from the center, after the turnstiles to the left, we go up, go around the exit to the right and 180°, go towards the overpass of the 3rd transport ring). We go down into the passage, at the first fork in the passage turn right, go to the end, go up the left stairs. Further straight along the sidewalk along the 3rd transport ring to the intersection. Cross the road. On the left is the corner of Dukhovsky Lane, there is a small separate building there and there is a sign “Dukhovsky Lane”. We walk about 300 meters along this lane, the entrance to the cemetery is visible from afar (yellow fence). We pass through the gate, on the right is a building and samples of tombstones, in front is a church (yellow building). We pass the building, there is an alley to the right. We walk forward about 10 meters, we see a sign to Matrona, to the right. We turn and after five meters we rise to the grave of Matrona of Moscow. It is impossible to make a mistake and not see the grave; it rises above other graves.
- By tram from the Shabolovskaya metro station. From the metro by tram number 26 to the Danilovskoye Cemetery stop. How to find Matrona’s grave at the Danilovsky cemetery, see point 1.
- By car. When driving along the third transport ring: Exit the overpass of the third transport ring onto Malaya Tulskaya Street. Then turn left and drive along Dukhovsky Lane to the gates of the Danilovsky Cemetery. How to find Matrona’s grave at the Danilovsky cemetery, see point 1. When moving from the center: Drive along Lyusinovskaya street, past the Danilovsky market, to the overpass of the 3rd transport ring. Before the overpass, turn right and drive to the intersection. Drive along Dukhovsky Lane to the gates of the Danilovsky Cemetery. How to find Matrona’s grave at the Danilovskoye cemetery, see point 1. When moving to the center: Drive along Kashirskoye or Varshavskoye highway to the intersection with the street. Serpukhov Val, turn towards the region. Before the overpass of the 3rd transport ring, turn right and drive to the intersection. Drive along Dukhovsky Lane to the gates of the Danilovsky Cemetery. How to find Matronushka’s grave at the Danilovsky cemetery, see point 1.
Danilovskoye Cemetery and the grave of Blessed Matrona
This cemetery appeared in Moscow in 1771 and was originally called “plague”. The name is no coincidence, since this year was the time of the largest plague epidemic in Moscow and other Russian cities.
The Senate ordered that plague victims be buried outside the city, and this is how a cemetery appeared in Danilovskaya Sloboda. Already in the 19th century, a temple was built here in honor of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. Later, representatives of merchant families (the most famous burial of the Tretyakov family) and clergy were buried in the cemetery. Perhaps this determines the choice of Matrona herself for her final resting place.
Danilovskoe cemetery, grave of St. Matrona
Many famous people are buried here, including philosopher Sergei Averintsev, art critic Sergei Durylin, football player Valery Voronin. At the Danilovsky cemetery there is a fairly large part reserved for the burials of Muslims, among them the most famous grave of the dancer Makhmud Esambaev.
Blessed Matrona is currently the most revered among Russian saints. The reason for this attitude towards her is very simple - through prayers to her, which God hears, many miracles are performed. Matrona bequeathed to bury herself at the Danilovsky cemetery.
Read about the saint:
- Flowers of Matrona of Moscow
- Temple of the Blessed Matrona on Taganka
- How to use Matrona of Moscow oil
Matrona’s will was fulfilled, and Matrona’s grave appeared at the Danilovsky cemetery.
The saint indicated her burial place here also because at that time the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit was one of the few operating in Moscow. The Tomb of Matrona of Moscow was disturbed in 1998, when St. relics that were transferred to the Intercession Convent in Moscow. But even after its discovery, the burial place remained, and it still enjoys universal veneration today.
Before visiting Matrona’s grave, you need to know what time the Danilovskoye cemetery is open to the public.
- In winter, the cemetery opens at 9.00 and closes at 17.00.
- In summer it is also open from 9.00 in the morning until 19.00 in the evening.
Burials at the Danilovskoye Cemetery take place all year round from 9.00 to 17.00.
Temple of the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Danilovskoye Cemetery
Schedule
This place is open to pilgrims and everyone from 09:00 to 17:00 every day, so that everyone who needs help can receive it immediately.
Matrona’s grave is not just a great miraculous place, but also a stronghold that gives every Orthodox person hope, gives strength, inspires faith, and inspires new deeds in the name of the Lord. Remember that regardless of whether you have the opportunity to visit the saint’s grave and bow to the relics or not, you can always say a prayer, even at home in front of the saint’s image. As they say, they always hear us. The most important thing is our belief in what we are asking for and in the final positive result.
What do they ask Matrona for at the grave?
Pilgrims come to the place where the saint was buried, pray, and take sand from the grave. It has been noticed that mother often helps in the following cases:
- healing of diseases, and completely different ones;
- the gift of a spouse and the creation of a strong family;
- while traveling;
- protection from enemies;
- to ensure that your studies go well;
- in material security and well-being.
That is, they ask for something that usually bothers a person in everyday life and Matrona helps with this with her prayers.
Read about prayer to Saint Matrona:
- Prayer for wish fulfillment
- Akathist to Matrona of Moscow
- Prayer to Matrona of Moscow for marriage
What do believers pray to Blessed Matrona of Moscow?
The image of the Blessed Matrona can be found in almost any temple. People who turned to her for help note that when communicating with the Saint prayerfully, they feel her kind presence and participation. After prayer, faith settles in our hearts, we want to do good deeds and live according to God’s commandments.
Matrona is approached in a variety of life situations. They ask her for healing from illnesses, and with her help they resolve family conflicts. Businessmen come to the image to solve financial problems. Married couples ask for wisdom and the gift of children.
Inconsolable relatives turn to their mother with the hope that she will help find the missing person. Matrona is asked many questions and always receives answers in the form of news, miraculous healing, and relief from litigation. She helps everyone who comes to her with faith.
Prayer to Blessed Matrona of Moscow
Oh, blessed mother Matrono, with your soul standing in Heaven before the Throne of God, with your body resting on earth, and with the grace given to you from above, various miracles flow. Look now with your merciful eye on us, sinners, in sorrows, illnesses and sinful temptations, waiting for our days, comfort us, desperate ones, heal our fierce ailments, from God for us allowed by our sin, deliver us from many troubles and circumstances, beg our Lord Forgive Jesus Christ all our sins, iniquities and falls, for whom we have sinned from our youth even to this day and hour, so that through your prayers we have received grace and great mercy, glorify m in the Trinity of One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and ever. Amen.
Second prayer to Blessed Matrona of Moscow
Oh, blessed mother Matrono, hear and accept us now, sinners, praying to you, who throughout your entire life has become accustomed to receiving and listening to all those who suffer and mourn, with faith and hope for your intercession and the help of those who come running, providing quick help and miraculous healing to everyone; May your mercy not fail now for us, unworthy, restless in this busy world and nowhere finding consolation and compassion in spiritual sorrows and help in bodily illnesses: heal the illnesses of Sha, deliver from the temptations and torment of the devil, who passionately fights, help him convey his everyday the cross, to bear all the hardships of life and not to lose the image of God in it, to preserve the Orthodox faith until the end of our days, to have strong trust and hope in God and unfeigned love for others; help us, after departing from this life, to achieve the Kingdom of Heaven with all those who please God, glorifying the mercy and goodness of the Heavenly Father, glorified in the Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit Haha, forever and ever. Amen.
Where was Matrona of Moscow buried?
The life of Matrona of Moscow is a continuous series of trials. She was an unwanted child in the family, born blind, but sensitive to God. Matrona's life befell many trials, but each time, in the most difficult times, the Lord saved her from inevitable death.
For a long time she wandered around the corners, moving from one address to another. All this time, the suffering came to Matrona - for advice, prayer, healing from illnesses.
Modest, simply dressed, always smiling and courteous, Mother never refused to help anyone. Dying, Matrona bequeathed to bury her in the Danilovsky cemetery, closer to the temple, from where the bells can be heard.
She also advised that every person who needs help, advice and support should come to her grave and speak as if she were alive: she would see, hear and help everyone.
Matronushka died on May 2, 1952, and on May 4 she was buried at the Danilovsky cemetery. At first, few people knew about the grave; over time, it became a place of pilgrimage. Many come here for help and, by their faith, receive what they ask for.
Canonical life and folk tale
Before canonization in Orthodoxy according to Matrona, historical records were collected and a hagiographical description was compiled. Each fact was verified against spiritual and theological principles.
When the mother of the future saint was about to give birth, she had a dream about a beautiful but blind bird. This is how the daughter was born - beautiful, but blind from birth. The eye sockets were empty and closed with closed eyelids. In addition to blindness, Matrona had one more feature - a small bulge in the chest area, very similar to a cross. When the baby was baptized in the font, a small smoke with an exquisite aroma appeared above her.
Already at the age of 7, the girl gained fame as a prophetess and healer. If she asks for someone in her prayers, he will be cured of his ailments. She also warned of various disasters or bad weather. Local landowner Lydia Yankova showed special sympathy for the baby. On her pilgrimages to holy temples, she invariably took Matrona with her. At the age of 14, the girl visited St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Kronstadt, where the abbot of the monastery, Saint Righteous John, declared the young healer “the eighth pillar of Russia.”
Upon reaching adulthood, paralysis of the limbs was added to the blindness of the young maiden. Nikonova remained sedentary until the end of her life, that is, another 50 years. She spent all her nights praying to the Lord. She only needed a few hours of sleep, and sometimes she stayed awake for several days in a row.
Matrona always considered the capital of Russia to be bright and beautiful, so she moved here to live. She did not have a residence permit and often huddled in corners where compassionate people would give her a place. But she did not stop doing her good deeds and healing people. Under any circumstances, she did not complain, but humbly accepted the suffering. There were many of these during the Second World War. Everyone wanted to know about the fate of their relatives who fought with the Germans, went missing or were captured. Even in the most formidable years, Nikonova prophesied about the Victory of the Soviet people, and that the enemy would take neither the capital nor Tula.
The ascetic began to talk about her death three days before. She accurately indicated the date and expressed a desire to be buried in a graveyard near the Danilovsky Monastery.
A legend is passed down from mouth to mouth that Stalin himself came at the very beginning of World War II and learned about what was coming. He was predicted that he would be the only one who would not leave Moscow and that the Nazis would not enter the capital either. It is impossible to reliably prove this fact; it is based on the testimony of only one person - Zinaida Zhdanova, who welcomed Matrona for 7 years, starting in 1942. The woman described this visit and a number of other unconfirmed cases in the book “Tales of the Life of the Blessed Elder Matrona.” This work is considered an unofficial biography, and the icon depicting Joseph Vissarionovich with Matrona is generally seditious and unacceptable for inclusion in any Orthodox church.
What we can say with complete confidence is that the blind and motionless old woman worked miracles during her lifetime and continues to perform them after her death.
Moscow cemeteries
