Mother Thekla facts for kids

Mother Thekla was born Marina Sharf on 18 July 1918 in Kislovodsk, a town in Russia. She was born during a big time of change in Russia, right after the royal family was killed. Her family soon moved to England to live in Richmond, Surrey. Her older brother, Andrew, became a history professor. Mother Thekla passed away on 7 August 2011.

Early Life and Learning

Marina Sharf went to the City of London School for Girls. She then studied at Cambridge University, where she earned a degree in English and Russian.

Working During the War

During World War II, Marina worked at Bletchley Park. This was a secret place where clever people helped to break enemy codes. After the war, she worked for the Ministry of Education. She became the Head of English at Kettering Girls High School. One of her former students later said that Marina Sharf was an amazing English teacher. She inspired many young women, especially with her love for Shakespeare.

Choosing a New Name

Later, Marina chose the name Thekla. She named herself after Thecla, a very early Christian saint from the 1st century. Saint Thecla was a follower of Apostle Paul. She is known for helping to start churches and for being a brave witness for her faith. Many believe she was the first woman to die for her Christian beliefs.

Becoming a Nun

In 1965, Mother Thekla met Mother Maria. Mother Maria was an Orthodox nun living with other nuns in Kent, England. Mother Thekla and Mother Maria soon moved to a house in Filgrave. There, they lived a quiet life, focusing on prayer and spiritual work. Another nun, Sister Katharine, later joined them.

Moving the Monastery

The small group of nuns eventually needed to move because the town of Milton Keynes was growing closer. In 1974, they found a farmhouse in the North York Moors in northern England. They moved there and continued their life of prayer, study, and work. Mother Thekla once wrote about their life, saying they were "three women, all British by nationality: one born Swiss, one born Russian, and one born English; all three nuns in the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople!"

Working with Sir John Tavener

Mother Thekla was a very important person to the famous British composer, John Tavener. She was a spiritual guide and friend to him. Tavener became an Orthodox Christian, partly because of her influence.

Inspiring Music

Mother Thekla's book, The Life of St Mary of Egypt, inspired John Tavener's opera, Mary of Egypt. She also helped him through a difficult time after his mother died in 1985. She encouraged him to keep composing music. She even advised him to write music that more people would enjoy. This led to his very popular piece, The Protecting Veil.

Mother Thekla also wrote the words (called libretti) for many of Tavener's important musical works. These include:

• Song for Athene (1993), which was played at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
• The Apocalypse (1993)
• Fall And Resurrection (1999)
• We Shall See Him As He Is (1993)
• Let Us Begin Again (1995)

John Tavener said that his special connection with Mother Thekla was unique. He dedicated his book, The Music Of Silence: A Composer's Testament, to her. He wrote that she helped him "put my music and my life together."

Later Years

In her final years, Mother Thekla lived at the Infirmary of the Order of the Holy Paraclete in Whitby. Many friends and visitors came to see her there. She was cared for by a team who loved her very much.