Saint Marina the Monk
A Woman Who Became a Monk
In the deserts and monasteries of the East, countless saints sought holiness by renouncing the world. Among them is one of the most remarkable and unexpected figures—Saint Marina the Monk, a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to live in a monastery and devote her entire life to God.
Though misunderstood, slandered, and falsely accused, Saint Marina responded only with silence, humility, and prayer. Her story—beloved in both the Maronite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions—is a testimony of radical humility and trust in God’s justice.
For many faithful, a Saint Marina the Monk prayer card is a powerful reminder of humility in the face of suffering, and a call to deeper devotion to God.
Who is Saint Marina the Monk?
Saint Marina, also known as Marina of Qannoubine or Marinos, was a woman who entered a monastery in Lebanon disguised as a man. She lived out her entire life under the appearance of being a male monk, enduring accusations and hardships without revealing her true identity.
She is venerated especially in the Maronite Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and among Coptic Christians. Her story has been told for centuries as an example of asceticism, humility, and faith.
Early Life: Leaving the World for God
Saint Marina was born in Lebanon, traditionally believed to be in the 5th century. She was the daughter of a pious Christian man. After her mother died, her father desired to enter monastic life. Marina, however, refused to be separated from him.
Instead, she disguised herself as a boy, took the name Marinos, and together with her father, entered the Monastery of Qannoubine in the Qadisha Valley—the heart of Maronite spirituality and monasticism.
There, Marina began her hidden life, embracing the rigorous asceticism of the desert fathers: fasting, vigils, silence, and prayer.
A Life of Humility and False Accusation
After her father’s death, Marina continued to live as a monk. She was known for her humility, obedience, and hard work.
Yet one of the most famous episodes of her life shows the depth of her holiness:
The Accusation: A local innkeeper’s daughter became pregnant and accused Marina (whom she believed to be a monk named Marinos) of being the father.
Punishment: The abbot, not knowing Marina’s true identity, was outraged. Rather than defend herself or reveal the truth, Marina accepted the punishment in silence.
Exile: She was expelled from the monastery and forced to live outside its walls for years, raising the child as her own in humility and shame.
Her acceptance of disgrace became her greatest witness. She embodied Christ’s words: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Matthew 5:11).
Her Death and Revelation
Saint Marina died in obscurity. When the monks prepared her body for burial, they discovered that she was, in fact, a woman.
The monks were astonished and deeply moved, realizing that they had misunderstood and mistreated a holy ascetic. Their shame turned to veneration, and the story of Marina spread quickly throughout the region.
Her relics became a source of miracles, and she has been honored as a saint for over 1,500 years.
Miracles of Saint Marina
Healing Miracles: Pilgrims to her relics at Qannoubine Monastery and later in Venice, Italy, reported numerous healings.
Protection of Women: Many women pray to Saint Marina for protection from slander, false accusations, and unjust treatment.
Conversion of Hearts: Her story continues to inspire those who suffer in silence, reminding them that God’s justice will prevail.
Feast Day
Maronite Catholic Church: Celebrates her feast on July 17.
Eastern Orthodox Church: Also commemorates her on July 17.
Her feast is honored in Lebanon with special liturgies in the Qadisha Valley, where her story took place.
Patronage of Saint Marina the Monk
Saint Marina is invoked as a patroness of:
Those falsely accused.
Victims of slander.
Women seeking to live faithfully in hidden ways.
Monastics and hermits in the Maronite and Orthodox traditions.
Devotion in the Eastern Church
Saint Marina’s memory is preserved especially in the Maronite Monastery of Qannoubine, which served for centuries as the seat of the Maronite Patriarchs.
Icons and Prayer Cards: She is often depicted as a bearded monk, emphasizing her humility and hidden life.
Hymns: Syriac hymns for her feast day celebrate her endurance in the face of shame.
Shrines: Her relics were later taken to Venice, where they remain enshrined, though many Lebanese still make pilgrimages to Qannoubine in her honor.
For the faithful, a Saint Marina the Monk prayer card is a reminder of the hidden holiness that only God sees.
Modern Relevance
Why does Saint Marina still matter today?
A Saint for the Misunderstood: In an age when many people suffer from false accusations or gossip, she stands as a model of enduring injustice with grace.
A Hidden Saint: Her life shows that holiness is often hidden from the world, but precious to God.
A Universal Witness: Though she lived centuries ago, she remains a figure of comfort to those who feel unseen, shamed, or wrongly judged.
Featured Products
Keep Saint Marina’s story alive with devotional items:
Saint Marina the Monk Prayer Cards – Handmade and available for personal devotion or parish use.
Icons – Showing her as a monk, emphasizing her humility and hidden holiness.
Custom Parish Prayer Cards – Perfect for feast day celebrations.
👉 “Honor Saint Marina the Monk with a beautifully designed prayer card, available in our shop.”
Conclusion: The Silent Witness of Saint Marina
Saint Marina the Monk’s life is a paradox: though hidden in disguise, her holiness shines more brightly than many famous saints. She teaches us that enduring injustice in silence can be a form of Christ-like witness.
Carrying a Saint Marina the Monk prayer card is a way of remembering her humble endurance, and of drawing courage in times of trial.
“The world accused her falsely, but God revealed her truly. Saint Marina the Monk remains a hidden jewel of holiness.”
FAQ – Saint Marina the Monk
Who was Saint Marina the Monk?
A 5th-century Maronite nun who disguised herself as a monk, living in humility and silence until her death.
When is Saint Marina’s feast day?
Her feast is celebrated on July 17 in both the Maronite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Marina?
Many healing miracles have been reported at her relics, along with spiritual protection for those falsely accused.
Why do people carry a Saint Marina the Monk prayer card?
As a reminder of her humility and intercession for those who suffer injustice or false accusations.
