Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons

Icon made on natural linden wood with water-gilding technique. After the thermal treatment, the wood was gilded with 22K gold leaf, in accordance with traditional Byzantine techniques. The icon has been painted with egg tempera for a higher quality and durability of the colors.

Saint Anastasia

Saint Anastasia the Great Martyr and Deliverer from Poisons is one of the most important saints of the Orthodox Church. She was born in Rome during the 3rd century AD. Although her father was a pagan, thanks to her mother she was baptized a Christian. The latter, together with Saint Chrysogonos, who was the Saint's spiritual father and teacher, took on her upbringing according to the principles of Christian faith.

When her father forced her to marry a Roman pagan, Saint Anastasia used many excuses in order to preserve her purity. Despite her husband's pressure, she dedicated herself to Christ, becoming a model of courage and endurance in front of the persecution against all Christians.

She got the name "Pharmacolytria" (Deliverer from Poisons) because of the treatment she offered to patients and prisoners. Many times she saved them from life-threatening poisons, while other times she provided them with medicines, ensuring their health.

With faith and devotion, she secretly visited Christians in prison. He was a great spiritual comfort and strength for the people who were led to martyrdom. Her actions made her an enemy of the Romans, who condemned her to death by fire. The saint endured martyrdom with unwavering faith and love for Jesus Christ.

Saint Anastasia is considered to be the patroness of those who suffer from diseases. According to the iconographic type, she is depicted as a young woman holding a cross in her right hand and a vessel for making medicines in her left hand. She is commemorated on December 22.

Kontakion

Those in temptations and afflictions hasten to your temple and are restored by the grace that dwells in you, for you ever pour forth healings for all the world, O Great Martyr Anastasía.