Peter and Fevronia of Murom

Peter, a prince of Murom, was afflicted with a grievous illness that no physician could cure. He was healed by Fevronia, a devout and wise peasant maiden of the Ryazan lands, and took her as his wife. When the boyars of Murom refused to accept a princess of humble birth and demanded he put her away, Peter chose exile with his wife over the throne without her; the city, falling into strife, soon begged them to return, and they governed with justice, humility, and charity to the poor. In old age they both received monastic tonsure, taking the names David and Euphrosyne, and prayed that they might die together. They reposed on the same day in 1228 and, though laid in separate coffins, were found together; they were buried in one tomb. They are venerated in Russia as patrons of marriage, love, and family fidelity.