March 13 (February 28, Old Calendar)

Sts. Marina and Kira, kindred sisters, came from the town of Beri in Syria where they lived in the fifth century. Disdaining the eminence of their origin, they departed to the outskirts of the city and took shelter in a cave in order to live a monastic life. They lived here for forty years, residing in silence, strict fasting and perpetual prayer. In order to perform a great labor, they wore heavy fetters under their clothing. They left their self-exile only once, in order to bow to the Lord's tomb in Jerusalem. They died peacefully around the year 450, leaving a legacy as champions of good deeds.