St. Verena Resource Ministry

By the grace of God and the blessings of H.G. Bishop Youssef, we are pleased to announce St. Verena Resource Ministry (SVRM). This ministry is designed to help  our brothers and sisters seeking assistance and share resources from experts in the field. Our goal is to assist each other in finding information about various issues encountered. We know at times people are not able to find information easily, so we hope that through this ministry they can find answers within our Coptic community. 

Mission Statement

The mission of this ministry is to help others help themselves by providing a network of resources in finding information, referrals, assistance, and tips about various issues. A database of specialists within our Coptic Orthodox community is maintained by the SVRM Committee. Requests will be forwarded to the appropriate consultant.

Saint Verena

Saint Verena of the Theban Legion departed on the 4th day of Thoout (September 14). She was brought up in the Theban region (modern day Luxor in Upper Egypt) in a noble Christian family, who handed her over to Bishop Sherimon, Bishop of Bani Suwayf, who in turn taught her and baptized her. Saint Verena joined the Theban Legion in its mission to Rhaetia (modern day Switzerland) and was a relative of St. Victor of the Theban Legion. The soldiers' relatives were allowed to accompany them in order to look after them and take care of their wounds. When Saint Maurice, St. Victor, and the other members of the Theban Legion were martyred, Saint Verena led a solitary and ascetic life. First, she settled in a place called Solothurn, but later moved into a cave near present day Zurich. She used to fast and pray continuously. Moreover, God performed several miracles through her. She was particularly concerned over young girls and used to look after them spiritually and physically, due to her expertise as a nurse. As a result of her fame, the ruler arrested her and sent her to jail, where Saint Maurice appeared to her to console and strengthen her. After her release from jail, she moved into several regions, and God made several miracles through her prayers. Due to her, many converted to Christianity. Saint Verena was interested in serving the poor and used to offer them food. Moreover, she enjoyed serving the sick, especially those suffering from leprosy. She used to wash their wounds and put ointments on them, not fearing infection. At the time of the departure of Saint Verena from our world, the most blessed and honored Ever-Virgin St. Mary appeared to her to console and strengthen her.