St. Marina the Monk

An early Christian woman who, on her father's entry to monastic life, took the male name Marinos and lived as a monk for many years in a monastery without her sex being known. Falsely accused of fathering a child, she was expelled and raised the boy as her own son in penitential silence outside the monastery walls. The truth was discovered only at her death. She is especially venerated in Maronite tradition, where her relics rest in the Qannoubine Valley.

Life & Times

Also known as: Marina the Monk of Lebanon; Marinos; Pelagia of Antioch (sometimes confused) · Born: 5th century · Died: c. 6th century · From: Bithynia or Lebanon; Qannoubine Valley, Mount Lebanon.

Patronage

St. Marina the Monk is invoked as the patron of maronites, the qannoubine valley, those falsely accused, lebanese women. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.