St. Joanna, the Myrrh-Bearer

Commemorated on June 27

St. Joanna the Myrrh-bearer was the wife of Chusa and the household steward of King Herod. She was one of the women following and attending the Lord Jesus Christ during the time of His preaching and public ministry. She is mentioned in the Gospel of St. Luke (8:3 and 24:10).

Together with the other Myrrh-bearing Women, St.. Joanna went to the Sepulcher to anoint the Holy Body of the Lord with myrrh after His death on the Cross, and she heard from the angel the joyful proclamation of His All-Glorious Resurrection.

According to Tradition, she recovered the head of St. John the Baptist after Herodias had disposed of it

St. Joanna is also commemorated on the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women.

By permission of the Orthodox Church in America (www.oca.org)