Saint Platonida of Arges canonized by the Holy Synod

The Holy Synod has approved the canonization of Saint Platonida of Arges, a figure from the 16th century. Born as Despina, the daughter of Ioan Brancovici, she became the wife of Prince Neagoe Basarab in Wallachia.

Historically, she was noted for her piety and support of religious institutions, including the construction of the Curtea de Arges Monastery, for which she reportedly used her own wealth and jewelry. Following the death of her husband and son, she entered monasticism in 1545, taking the name Platonida. She died of the plague in 1554 and was buried at the Curtea de Arges Monastery.

Her feast day is observed on September 26. Religious texts, including her troparion and canon, honor her as a model of humility and a defender of the Orthodox faith.