Martyr · 304
Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons
Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons, her teacher, Martyr Chrysogonos, and many with them
New Calendar December 22 Old Calendar January 4
Why they are a saint
The Great Martyr Anastasia (Anastasía) the Deliverer from Poisons, was a Roman by birth, who suffered for Christ during Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, circa 304. The Orthodox Church commemorates Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons on December 22.
Life
Saint Anastasia was born in Rome to a pagan father and a secretly Christian mother, Fausta, and was taught by the pious Christian Chrysogonos. Given in marriage to the pagan Publius, she kept her virginity; dressed as a beggar, she visited the prisons, feeding, treating and often ransoming those who suffered for Christ.
After her husband's death she gave her property to the poor and continued to serve the imprisoned confessors. She suffered under Diocletian about 304: she was stretched between four pillars and burned alive. Her body, unharmed by the fire, was buried by a pious woman, Apollinaria. In the fifth century her relics were taken to Constantinople. Her title 'Deliverer from Poisons' (Pharmakolytria) refers to release from poison and sorcery.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons as a patron when they bear the name Anastasia at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 22. As a martyr, she is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.