This extravagant person became famous for her arguments about religion. While her ideas were discussed in the light, the lady managed to be creative and help the poor.
A person’s independent forces often invade a person’s life. The adventures of our heroine were caused only by her indefatigable energy and the search for high ideals. It is not known whether she acquired the truth to which she strove. It is only clear that sharp turns inspired her to work and good deeds.
Childhood
Peter Protasov enjoyed the success of his sister Anna. This lady had a repulsive appearance, but she knew how to keep secrets. For such a successful combination, Empress Catherine II made her a chamber-maid of honor and never parted with her. In order not to squander family good, the nobleman married his distant relative and became the father of five daughters. Alexandra was born in 1774 and was the eldest.
Shurochka was 8 years old when her mother died. The father asked his powerful sister to take care of his heirs. He wanted his daughters to have a career as court ladies. Aunt took the children to her and took up their upbringing. The Catherine era encouraged education for women, because Anna Protasova's nieces studied at home under a program that was not inferior to the university. Latin and Greek mastered the sisters; they knew very well the history of the Russian state. Patriotic moods reigned in the house - everyone spoke Russian among themselves, they did not shy away from public holidays.
Anna Protasova with her nieces. Artist Angelika Kaufman
Youth
Before the bright eyes of the Empress Sashenka presented in adolescence. She was not pretty, but smart. In 1791, the girl was introduced to the state of maid of honor. The empress did not approve of the loneliness of Anna Protasova, many times she tried unsuccessfully to arrange her marriage. It was impossible to cope with an independent peer, but it was possible to arrange the personal life of her young niece.
The exit of Empress Catherine II in Tsarskoye Selo (1912). Artist Alexandre Benois
Soon after appearing at the court, Alexander was sent down the aisle. The bridegroom was the stalmaster and secret adviser Prince Alexei Golitsyn. They found a husband for the girl, focusing on the ranks and nobility of the young man. Catherine the Great was well versed in people - the family turned out to be friendly and large. Unfortunately, happiness did not last long - in 1800, our heroine was widowed.
Difficult period
Having been the prince’s wife and becoming a princess, Alexandra, before her sisters, reached the goal that Anna Protasova had outlined to the heirs. This energetic old woman survived Pavel Petrovich and already from the grandson of her patroness, Alexander I, begged for princely titles for her still unmarried nieces.
Alexandra Golitsyna with her son Peter. Artist Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun
The widow Mrs. Golitsyna did her best to raise her five children. Her four sons chose military service. When Napoleon’s troops moved to Russia, the eldest was in the army. The guy, alive and well, went through the whole war and participated in a foreign campaign. Mother’s happiness knew no bounds, now she had time for herself.
Spiritual search
When the difficult times were over, the princess turned to the topic of religion, which had long been of interest to her. In her aunt's house, she met with Orthodoxy, but now she wanted to learn more about Catholicism. Enlightened woman read the work of the Holy Fathers and met with priests. The result of the search was the transition to Catholicism in 1818.
This decision of the mother shocked one of the daughters of Alexandra Lisa. The girl rebelled. She wrote with her blood a solemn vow to fight the Roman Church and introduced the world to him. The scandal in the noble family did not last long. The wise parent suggested that her eccentric daughter learn more about the “enemy”. The result was the adoption of Catholicism by Elizabeth. The exalted young lady not only changed her faith, but also took monastic tonsure.
College in New York, in the opening of which was attended by the nun Elizabeth Golitsyna
Preacher
Too emotional theological discussions in the Golitsyn family made Alexander famous. Russian aristocrats who converted to Catholicism turned to her for support. It was from the princess that Sofia Svechin asked for advice. This lady moved to Paris because at home, her choice of faith was not accepted. Alexandra did not approve of such a decision. She advised Sonya to return and make a contribution to popularizing Christ's ideas with good deeds.
Golitsyna herself was a missionary in Rome. She combined sermons with charity. When they told Alexandra Petrovna that a blind and paralyzed poet Ivan Kozlov was dying of hunger in St. Petersburg, she rushed to his aid. The fate of this man deeply touched the woman: he, like her son, was a participant in the war of 1812, having lost his sight and mobility, found solace in his work. Alexandra Golitsyna took care of the unfortunate.
Ivan Kozlov - ward of Alexandra Golitsyna
