Macrina of Cappadocia

Macrina of Cappadocia: A Sister Who Shaped the Church

Macrina was born in 347 in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), and though she isn’t as famous as her brothers—Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa—Christians around the world remember her for her faith, wisdom, and love.

In an era when women were often overlooked, Macrina served her family faithfully and became a respected teacher and theologian. She helped her family stand firmly against slavery and showed great compassion to the poor. Her guidance deeply shaped her brothers’ understanding of God, and their writings helped form what we believe today about the Trinity.

This inspiring story introduces young readers to a remarkable woman and her extraordinary family—people whose courage and convictions in the fourth century still influence the church today.

Macrina’s life reminds us that God can use anyone—man or woman, sister or brother—to change the world for His glory.

Endorsements

“A really excellent introduction to an amazing female saint from the fourth century. Simonetta Carr gives a very personal feel for Macrina, as well as being theologically and historically rich!”
—John Behr, Regius Chair of Humanity, University of Aberdeen; and author of numerous works on patristics

“I have been reading and teaching Gregory of Nyssa’s marvelous and warmhearted memoir of his sister, Macrina, for many years now. Her story is increasingly known to scholars who study Christianity in the late Roman Empire but hardly known at all to other Christians. So I heartily welcome this superb book by Simonetta Carr that will make her story known to multitudes of children and hopefully also their parents. Capturing the stories of fourth- and fifth-century Christians for modern-day readers is not at all easy, but Simonetta's study of Macrina hits all the right buttons!”
—Michael A. G. Azad Haykin, professor of church history, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“In this beautifully illustrated biography, Simonetta Carr narrates the life and legacy of Macrina so compellingly that both children and adults will be informed and inspired. This book handles ancient sources with careful wisdom, attends with adroit and faithful perspective the contexts and voices of the fourth century, and presents Macrina—and her family and friends—in a way that conveys God’s sustaining grace in every generation.”
—Megan DeVore, professor of church history and early Christian studies, School of Theology, Colorado Christian University

About the Author

Simonetta Car was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several Christian authors from Italian to English, and vice-versa. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and one of their eight children. She is a member at Christ United Reformed Church.