Mary the Younger facts for kids

Saint Mary the Younger (born 875 – died February 16, 902) was a Byzantine saint. She was of Armenian origin. Her life story tells of her strong faith and good deeds. Some details about her life are not fully known. Her story was likely written after the year 1025.

Life of Saint Mary

Mary's family came from Greater Armenia. Her father was an important noble there. They moved to Constantinople, probably around 867. This was when Emperor Basil I the Macedonian began his rule. He asked Mary's father and other Armenian nobles to join his service.

Mary was born in 875, likely in Constantinople. This was shortly after her father passed away. She had four older siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Her sisters were already married. This shows Mary was a younger child. Her mother raised her. Around 888, she married Nikephoros. He was a droungarios, a military leader. Nikephoros was known by her brother-in-law.

Nikephoros showed great bravery in the war against the Bulgarians (894–896). He was rewarded with a new position. He became a commander in the region of Bizye.

Mary and Nikephoros had four sons. Orestes was born around 889 or 890. He sadly died at age five. Bardanes was born after Orestes' death. He also passed away around 895 or 896. Then came the twins, Baanes and Stephen. They were born between 897 and 900. Baanes became a soldier. Stephen became a monk, known as Symeon.

Around the year 900, Mary faced a difficult time. Her husband's siblings, Helena and Alexios, accused her. They claimed she was wasting money. They also said she had a secret relationship with their servant, Demetrios. Mary strongly denied these claims. But Nikephoros placed a guard in her room. He also questioned her maidservant, Agathe, very harshly. He took away Mary's control over the household money. He gave it to a steward and another servant. Mary was not allowed to have any money. This treatment made her very upset. She even developed a stomach illness.

In 902, Mary expressed her concern. She felt her husband and his family were not following the fasting rules of Lent. Her disapproval was told to Nikephoros in an exaggerated way. He heard she called him "no real Christian, but a devil." Nikephoros became very angry. He pulled Mary from her bed and beat her. Someone finally stepped in to stop him. As she tried to get away, she hit her head. She died ten days later, on February 16. It is believed she died from this head injury.

Her funeral was led by the Bishop of Bizye. Almost everyone in the town attended. They walked with her funeral procession to the local church. She was buried there. After her death, Mary appeared in many people's dreams. She performed miracles, healing the sick. She also protected people from invading soldiers. At first, her husband did not believe in her miracles. But he eventually built a church to hold her body. This church became a place where many people visited. They came to pray and seek healing. Her miracles and visions confirmed her status as a blessed saint.

In 927, her son Stephen made a special request. Mary's body had been miraculously preserved. He had her body moved from her wooden coffin. It was placed in his father's marble sarcophagus. His father's body had decayed. It was reburied outside the church.

Qualities of Saint Mary

Mary the Younger was seen as a symbol of good female qualities. People described her as kind and merciful. She showed great love for God. She also had strong self-control. Mary fulfilled her duties as a wife and mother. She remained very loyal to God.

One of Mary the Younger's most important qualities was her charity. She was very generous. She would send money to a tax collector. This collector would help people who were in prison. These people could not pay a public tax for their homes. Mary also sought gold to help those who were suffering. She protected widows and children who had lost their parents.

From a religious point of view, Mary the Younger had strong faith. She remained faithful to God even during hard times. For example, after her son Orestes died, she praised the Lord. She was truly thankful for her experiences.

People admired Mary the Younger. Her married status was not a problem for them. However, some men in high positions underestimated her. They looked down on her. One such man was the Bishop of Bizye. He did not believe that a married woman could perform miracles. He thought only men could do such things.

Sources

• Lilie, Ralph-Johannes (2013). "Prosopographie der mittelbyzantinischen Zeit Online. Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften. Nach Vorarbeiten F. Winkelmanns erstellt".. Berlin and Boston: De Gruyter.