Matrona the Barefoot
Matrona the Barefoot | |
|---|---|
| Матрона Босоножка | |
Matrona as photographed by Karl Bulla, before 1911 | |
| Born | Matrona Petrovna Scherbina 1833 |
| Died | 30 March 1911 (aged 77–78) Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire |
| Occupation | Wanderer |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 2 |
Matrona the Barefoot (Russian: Матрона Босоножка; also known as Matrona of Petersburg, born Matrona Petrovna Shcherbinina, married name Rumyantseva in her first marriage and Mylnikova in her second marriage; 1833 – 30 March 1911)) was a blessed Russian wanderer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She became widely known during her lifetime. Metropolitan Varsonofy of Saint Petersburg and Ladoga described her as having followed the paths of foolishness for Christ’s sake and wandering, attributing to her the abilities of foresight and miracle-working.
Among the notable figures of her time who were close to Matrona were John of Kronstadt and the wanderer Vasily the Barefoot. She maintained a long correspondence with the imperial family, and there is evidence of a personal meeting between her and Emperor Nicholas II. Shortly after her death, a pamphlet about her life was published in Saint Petersburg. In the 2010s, discussions about her possible canonization emerged, prompting the release of two books based on archival records of her life.
Photographs that capture her appearance were taken by renowned photographers of the time, including Karl Bulla. In the 2000s and 2010s, documentaries about her were released, exploring her life and legacy for a wider audience.