ST. GENEVIEVE OF PARIS (JAN. 3RD)

A Contemporary Byzantine Icon of St. Genevieve of Paris

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

St. Genevieve, the patroness of Paris, was born in Nanterre, near Paris, in AD 422 to a pious Christian family. At the age of seven, she encountered St. Germanus of Auxerre as he passed through her village on his way to combat the Pelagian heresy in Britain. Perceiving her sanctity, Germanus blessed her and encouraged her to dedicate her life to God. Inspired by this calling, Genevieve vowed to live as a consecrated virgin, embracing prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. 

Following the death of her parents, Genevieve moved to Paris, where her holiness and courage became widely known. Her ascetic discipline was profound: she often fasted for days, subsisting on only bread and water. Yet her strength of character and faith were matched by her practical wisdom. During the siege of Paris by Attila the Hun in AD 451, Genevieve rallied the people, urging them to pray and trust in God rather than flee in panic. Miraculously, the Huns bypassed the city, which the Parisians attributed to her intercession. 

In later years, Genevieve devoted herself to the spiritual and physical well-being of her city. She was instrumental in securing grain shipments during times of famine, saving countless lives through her leadership and tireless intercession. Her efforts were not limited to Paris alone; she encouraged the building of churches, including the Basilica of St. Denis. 

Despite facing opposition from skeptics and detractors, Genevieve’s reputation for holiness only grew. She exhibited extraordinary gifts of prophecy and miracles, inspiring both the humble and the powerful to greater faith. Her death in AD 512 was mourned deeply, and her tomb in Paris became a site of pilgrimage, where many reported miraculous healings. 

Today, St. Genevieve stands as a shining example of courage, prayer, and love in action. She reminds us that true holiness is not passive but calls us to serve the needs of others while trusting fully in God. 

COLLECT 

Almighty and everliving God, who didst endue Thy servant Genevieve with singular courage and piety, that she might intercede for Thy people and minister to their needs; Grant us, we beseech Thee, the grace to follow her example in steadfast prayer, self-denial, and works of mercy, that we, strengthened by Thy Spirit, may endure all trials and bring glory to Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 

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