By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Our Church today, October 29, commemorates the Feast of the venerable martyr Anastasia the Roman, of Saint Abramius the Hermit, of Venerable Anna of Constantinople, niece of Saint Maria and of Saint Sabbas Stratelates.
Martyr Anastasia is a worthy example of heroism and self-denial and is a guide, for young people in particular, regarding what should be prioritized in life, and what is important and unimportant.
Living in the Diocletian era, descended from a wealthy Roman family and distinguished for her education and physical beauty, she had all the conditions to enjoy an enviable life. However, she preferred to distribute her wealth to the poor, and devoted herself to ascetism in a monastery in Rome.
The mental bravery of martyr Anastasia was revealed in all its grandeur, when the Governor of the City, Probus, arrested her and pressured her to deny Christ, telling her that she had to spare her youth and beauty. The answer, which led her to her horrific torture and eventually martyrdom, was: “I know only one beauty and youth. The one that Christ gives to faithful and valiant souls.”
Source: Church of Cyprus
