Dates

Born: Late 3rd Century AD
Reposed: December 25, 304 AD
Feast Day: December 22

Locations

Born: Rome, Italy
Reposed: Sermium, Serbia

Interesting Facts

• The name Anastasia means “resurrections”. 

• St Theodota appeared to St. Anastasia in prison to console and encourage her. St Theodota, a friend to Anastasia, had recently been martyred along with her three sons. 

• In the 5th century, the relics of St Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. Later, the relics, including her skull, were transferred to the Monastery of St. Anastasia the Pharmokolitria, Chalkidiki of Greece, near Mount Athos. In 2012, the relics were stolen and have not been recovered.

Life and Works

Saint Anastasia, who was from Rome, was a most comely, wealthy, and virtuous maiden, the daughter of Praepextatus a Roman vir illustris, and and Fausta. It was her mother who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. When her christian mother died, St. Anastasia’s pagan father forced her to marry a man named Publius Patricius, who was prodigal in life and impious in disposition, but she was widowed after a short time. Henceforth, she went about secretly to the dwellings of the poor and the prisons where the Martyrs of Christ were, and brought them whatever was needed for their daily subsistence. She washed their wounds and loosed them from their fetters, and consoled them in their anguish. Also, because the Saint, through her intercessions, has healed many from the ill effects of spells, potions, poisons, and other harmful substances, she has received the name "Deliverer from Potions." This is why her icon is depicted with a potion in one hand and a Cross in the other is for her martyrdom.  One night Emperor Diocletian declared that all remaining imprisoned christians should be killed. St. Anastasia came to the prison the next day to find them all dead. She was overwhelmed with grief and fell crying at the gates. Her tears revealed her to be a Christian. She was imprisoned for a month with nothing to eat. When this didn’t break her, she was sentenced to another month with no food. After enduring many torments she was put to death by fire.

Hymns

Apolytikion, Fourth Mode

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy.

Kontakion, Second Mode

When they that are found in trials and adversities flee unto thy church O Anastasia, they receive the august and wondrous gifts of divine grace which doth abide in thee; for at all times, O Saint of God, thou pourest forth streams of healings for the world.