Today, the Church celebrates the memory of the Virgin-Martyr Saint Paraskevi, of Hieromartyr Ermolaos, as well as of Hieromartyrs Ermippos and Ermocratis.
Saint Paraskevi was born in a suburb of Rome, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, by pious and affluent parents, Agathon and Politea. They called her Paraskevi (“Friday” in Greek, but literally “preparation”), 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 received the nun’s habit. However, in the above call, she followed the apostolic way of preaching, which was meant to be the road of her martyrdom.
The association of the saint with the human eyes and their healing is due to her modesty, which forced her to look away from men and the great miracle she performed to Antoninus Pius, which made him convert to Christianity.
The Holy Martyr Paraskevi continued her preaching and martyrdom for a few more years until she delivered her spirit when beheaded. Her virtuous, holy life and martyrdom is a milestone for those who want their lives to be a true “preparation” for eternity and the Kingdom of God.
Source: Church of Cyprus
