A Visit to the Chapel of St. Xenia of Petersburg, Smolensk Cemetery

There have been so many miracles through the prayers of St. Xenia of Petersburg that thousands of people continually come to her chapel in the Smolensk Cemetery on Vasilievsky Island in St. Petersburg. Although now, under the limiting conditions of a pandemic most are unable to come to the chapel physically, we can all turn in prayer to this great fool-for-Christ of St. Petersburg, and visually visit to this holy place.

Praying at St. Xenia’s chapel [From the website, Kseniya-spb.ru]

Write a note with your request, go to the Smolensk Cemetery in St. Petersburg, and go to the chapel of St. Xenia (don’t confuse it with the Smolensk church nearby!). Walk around the chapel three times, then place your note in a special box for notes set up by the chapel, or under the box with candles, or by the wall (most people leave their notes by the wall). Lean against the wall and mentally tell St. Xenia your request, then place a candle outside. Then you can go inside (there is usually a queue). You can pray with your own words inside the chapel, order a moleben, and light candles and place them on the candle stand by the icons as you feel moved.

Don’t leave right away! This is a special place. People often stand and pray until they feel it’s time to go, or the priest asks all to leave so that others can come in. The chapel closes at 4:00 or 5:00 pm.)

Prepare yourself before going. It’s best to refrain from alcohol for at least a few days beforehand, and try not to sin. Give alms to the poor. Bring a little something, like bread for the birds and food for the poor. You can leave the food by the chapel wall.

But the main thing to bring is your faith! If it is pleasing to God, your request will certainly be answered. Then you must definitely come back and order a moleben of thanksgiving.

Holy Blessed Mother Xenia, pray to God for us in this time of trial!