The Orthodox Church commemorates today Virgin-Martyr Saint Paraskevi, as well as Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus, and Hermocrates at Nicomedia.
Saint Paraskevi was born in a suburb of Rome, under Emperor Hadrian, and was raised by pious and affluent parents, Agathon and Politea. They called her Paraskevi (“Friday”) because she was born on the sixth day of the week. However, according to her Apolytikion (Dismissal Hymn), her virtuous lifestyle was worthy of her name. She studied every day the spiritual study of the permanent union with the Bridegroom Christ, cultivating the gifts that the Holy Spirit had given her.
After the death of her parents, the saint became a nun. She responded to the call of the Lord and followed the apostolic way of preaching, which was finally meant to be the way of her martyrdom.
The association of the saint with the human eyes and their healing is due to her modesty, which made her keep her eyes away from the view of muttering empty things. She performed a great miracle in front of the eyes of King Anthony, who was finally converted to Christianity.
The Holy Martyr Paraskevi continued her preaching and her work for a few more years until she fell asleep in the Lord, after being beheaded. Her virtuous, holy life and martyrdom are a milestone for those who want their lives to be true “preparation” for eternity and the Kingdom of God.
Source: Church of Cyprus
