St. Anastasia the Greatmartyr

The Life of St. Anastasia

St. Anastasia lived in Rome in the 3rd century AD, under the pagan emperor Diocletian. Her mother, a Christian, educated her in the faith. After her mother’s death, Anastasia was married to a pagan man named Publius. She refused to renounce her faith during her marriage, and secretly ministered to captive Christians imprisoned for their faith in Christ. After her husband’s death, St. Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering.

She continued her ministry in her adult life, ministering to prisoners, healing wounds, and relieving suffering. She is known today as St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria, or Deliverer from Potions, since she healed many by her intercessions. She is particularly known for healing mental illnesses. Her many great works and miracles led to her fame in the area, and her eventual arrest under Diocletian’s persecution of Christians at that time. She was tortured and put to death by fire in the year 290.

Feast day: December 22

Learn her Troparion

“Your lamb Anastasia, calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice: ‘I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering. In baptism, I was crucified so that I might reign in You, and I died so that I might live with You. Accept me as a pure sacrifice, for I have offered myself in love.’ Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.”