Holy Martyr Ludmila, Princess of Bohemia (†927) — September 16 / September 29 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 16 according to the Julian Calendar (September 29 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Ludmila of Bohemia.

The holy Martyr Ludmila, Princess of Bohemia, was the wife of Prince Bořivoj. The couple were baptized by Methodius, Bishop of Moravia and Enlightener of the Slavs (commemorated April 6 and May 11). After their conversion to Christianity they labored tirelessly to enlighten their subjects with the light of truth. Prince Bořivoj died young, at the age of thirty-six. After she was widowed, Saint Ludmila lived a strict and pious life, and during the reign of her son Bratislav (Vratislav) she continued to care for the holy Church.

Bratislav was married to Drahomíra, and by her he had a son, Wenceslas. After his father’s thirty-three-year reign, Wenceslas ascended the throne at only eighteen years of age. Drahomíra took advantage of her son’s inexperience and began to spread pagan customs throughout the land. Saint Ludmila stood firm against this lawlessness. Drahomíra came to hate her mother-in-law and sought to destroy her. Once, when Ludmila was staying in the town of Tetín, her godless daughter-in-law sent two nobles to kill her. While the saint stood at prayer, the murderers crept into the palace and savagely took the life of the blessed one (†927).

Many healings took place at the tomb of the holy Martyr Ludmila. Later Prince Wenceslas transferred his grandmother’s remains to Prague and enshrined them in the Church of Saint George.