By T.K. Wilson
The Great Martyr Anastasia was born in Rome, the daughter of a pagan and a secret Christian. During the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian, she ministered to those in prison, slipping out in disguise, keeping this from her pagan husband. She used her wealth to free the captives and also, using her skill as an herbalist, cured many wounds and diseases, hence her title Deliverer from Poisons, as she knew how to reverse poisonings.
Her good deeds did not go unnoticed, however. Her husband learned of her charity and beat her for it. He was soon drowned in an accident, leaving Anastasia free to do her work without hindrance. Diocletian upped his persecutions, determined to rid Rome of the Christians by any means necessary. Anastasia saw her old tutor (also a Christian), three young girls, and a local priest killed. She moved from city to city, treating the wounded and spreading comfort to the Christian population. She was captured and delivered up to a wicked pagan priest, who was struck blind when he tried to attack Anastasia, and later died.
After this incident, Anastasia and Theodote, a faithful widow, went back to their works of mercy. When they were captured again, Theodote and her son were both martyred, and Anastasia was condemned to die of starvation. After surviving sixty days, she was ultimately burned alive.
May we use our skills for the good of the Body, as Anastasia did.
LogoSophia Magazine 