Saint Anastasia the Roman the Holy Martyr
Date of celebration: 29/10/2020
The faithful Anastasia lived in the years of Decius (according to others Diocletian) and Ballerian and came from Rome. When her rich parents died, she distributed the property she inherited to the poor and retired to a monastery.
When she was arrested by the ruler Probus (about 256 AD), he reminded Anastasia of her blooming youth, for which she would have to deny Christ. Then Anastasia’s response was dynamic:
“I,” he said, “know a beauty and youth, that which Christ gives to faithful and brave souls, who prefer death for Him to other worldly goods, when these are proposed for the betrayal of their God. I had plenty of wealth. I didn’t want them. But I want my Christ and from Him no power will be able to separate me. If in doubt, try it.”
Enraged by the answer, Probus whipped her in the face and spread her on hot coals. He then hanged her and tore her body apart. Then he cut off her breasts, pulled out her fingernails and finally decapitated her. Thus, Anastasia took the amaranth crown of martyrdom.
