Sara
Sarah, Sarai
Born: 1986 BCE (Jewish) in Ur in Chaldea, Iraq
Died: 1859 BCE (Jewish)
Bio: Matriarch of the People of Israel
Patronage: Mothers, Desire for children, Family
Name meaning: The Noblewoman (Hebrew)
Feast Day (Julian Calendar): December 17
Feast Day (Gregorian Calendar): December 30
Saint Sarah, known as the wife of Abraham and the matriarch of the people of Israel, is venerated in the Orthodox Church as one of the great women of the Old Testament. She is regarded as a model of faith and devotion and is the mother of Isaac, through whom God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled. In the Bible, she is described as a woman who, despite challenges and doubts, maintained a strong relationship with God and ultimately gave birth in her old age to the son who would carry forward the lineage of Israel.
Sarah exemplifies unwavering faith. Although she remained childless for many years and initially doubted God’s promise, she held fast to her belief and was blessed with Isaac in her advanced age. Her life symbolizes the fulfillment of divine promises. Through Isaac, her son, God’s covenant with Abraham was realized, and Sarah became the matriarch of the people of Israel. The Orthodox Church honors Sarah as a pious and faithful woman who trusted in God’s plan, making her a model of patience and belief.
In the Orthodox Church, Saint Sarah’s feast day is celebrated together with her husband, the Patriarch Abraham, on October 9 (Julian calendar) or October 22 (Gregorian calendar). Saint Sarah is often depicted in icons alongside Abraham, and her feast day serves as an occasion for believers to pray for patience and trust in challenging times.
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Available reproductions from the Orthodox Monastery of Saint Elisabeth (Minsk) – proprietary wood printing technique:
- Size 2 (5.5 x 4.5 cm)
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