Saint Paraskevi Icon - S232

The holy Virgin Martyr Paraskevi (or Paraskeva) was born in Rome in the 2nd century to Christian parents. From her earliest years she was devout, spending much of her time in prayer and reading the Scriptures.

After her parents' death, she dedicated herself fully to Christ. She preached to the pagans and converted many to the Faith. She was arrested and put to trial for refusing to worship the idols, and she boldly confessed that she was a Christian. No promise or threat could shake her, and so she was sentenced to brutal torture. When God protected her even when placed in the boiling oil, the emperor, Anoninus Pius, went to see how this could be. She threw the hot oil in his face, and when the emperor cried out for help, she healed him. Astonished, he set her free.

She continued to preach, and was again arrested and sentenced to death. When sealed in a cave with a vicious serpent, she simply made the sign of the Cross and it died. The governor of the city saw the miracle and believed in Christ. Again she preached throughout Italy, and she finally won the crown of martyrdom after enduring tortures and beheading about the year 140.

Saint Paraskevi is celebrated as a wonderworker, and her miracles continue to this day. Her feast is celebrated on July 26.