Saint Anastasia (XIVc) Icon - S233

The holy Great-Martyr Anastasia was born in Rome in the 2nd century under the Diocletian persecution. Her father was a pagan, but her mother was a secret Christian and arranged for Anastasia to be educated in the Faith by a pious Christian named Chrysogonus.

When Anastasia's mother died, her father gave her in marriage to a pagan, but she maintained her virginity by feigning illness. She would visit the prisons and give food, medicine, and comfort to those who were suffering for Christ. Her husband found her out and beat her severely, and kept her locked inside the house. Anastasia's husband died at sea soon after, and she gave her property to the poor.

She continued to serve the poor and captives, and through her intercessions, many were delivered from illness and poisons. For this, she became known as "the Deliverer from Potions." The handmaiden of God was eventually arrested, tortured, and burned alive in the year 290. A pious woman named Apollinaria buried her sacred body near her home.

Her relics today reside at the St. Athanasia Monastery near Mount Athos. Her feast is celebrated on December 22 in the East, and December 25 in the West.