Great Martyr Anastasia

On December 22, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the day of Great Martyr Anastasia. She was born in Rome in the family of a pagan father and a Christian mother. St. Anastasia's teacher in her youth was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysogonos, who possessed the priceless treasure of faith. It was him and Anastasia’s mother who taught her Christianity. After the death of her mother, her father gave St. Anastasia in marriage to a pagan named Publius, who later drowned in the sea. After the death of her husband, St. Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering. When the ruler found out that such a prominent Roman has given up paganism and devoted herself to Christ, he immediately informed the king. Following a number of unsuccessful attempts to make her change her belief, Anastasia was tied to four pillars and burnt. Her relics were transferred to Constantinople.