The name Anastasia in the Orthodox calendar (Saints). Anastasia the Pattern Maker, Roman, Illyrian

Anastasia the Pattern Maker was born in Rome into a family in which her father was a pagan and her mother was a secret Christian. The saint took her mother’s side and dedicated her life to God. Before we find out what helps Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker, we suggest recalling some facts from her life.

Since childhood, the girl was told about God, and she joyfully learned the laws of Christianity. Anastasia was beautiful girl, but not a single groom could woo her, since she took a vow of virginity. At one point, the pagans learned that Anastasia was preaching Christianity and gave her the choice of either renouncing the faith or death. The girl, without hesitation, chose torment, but before that the executioner decided to abuse her. As a result, he went blind and died, unable to even touch Anastasia. After this, the girl was tortured for a long time, and then burned alive over a fire, but her body remained incorrupt.

How does Anastasia Pattern Maker help?

During her lifetime, the saint became famous for helping Christians who suffered for their faith and ended up behind bars. She helped people not only in deed, but also in word, since many had lost internal forces. Anastasia found words of support for everyone, helping to get rid of existing worries and despair. That is why she was later called the “Pattern Maker.”

In front of the image of the saint, prisoners can pray for liberation, but only if they have not committed a mortal sin. Not only prisoners, but also relatives who want to achieve release can turn to Anastasia loved one. Speaking about how the icon Anastasia the Patternmaker helps, it is worth noting that people who want to strengthen their faith or gain peace of mind. The saint helps to find the right path in life and solve many problems. You can also offer petitions before the face of the saint for healing from various ailments.

Her life began in the city of Rome. The girl's father Pretextat occupied high rank and belonged to Hellenic paganism. And Favsta’s mother was a Christian. In adolescence, she was sent to study with one of the noble teachers, Chrysogonus, who also professed Christ. He told young Anastasia about the One who is the Light of the world, who is the Truth. Anastasia believed in the Savior and was grateful to her mother and teacher for the acquired knowledge. Meanwhile, the mother went to the Lord, and the father married the girl to his fellow believer against the will of Anastasia. Day and night she tearfully prayed to God to help her maintain her purity, and the Lord responded to her petitions.
The young wife told her husband that she was very sick and could not be a wife; upon hearing this, he became angry and began to forcibly try to fulfill his desires, but Anastasia escaped from his hands.
She loved, secretly from everyone, dressing up as a beggar and visiting prisoners in dungeons. Having learned about this, her husband severely beat her, so much so that the saint could not even leave the house.
Her torment and oppression from her husband intensified after the death of her father. In order to take possession of the inheritance that Anastasia inherited from her father, the despot decided to kill his wife. But, having conceived a terrible murder, he did not even imagine that he himself would soon pass away into another world, drowning in the sea during a business trip to Persia.
Saint Anastasia, having recovered from severe beatings and torture, again began to help the prisoners, among whom was her teacher Chrysogon. He rallied the Christian prisoners around himself and preached to them, strengthened and instructed them. The news of this reached the king - the tormentor Diocletian, and he ordered that all those faithful to Christ be executed, and Chrysogonus personally delivered to him. The ruler offered to convert to paganism, thereby saving his life, but the prisoner, faithful to the teachings, refused. After which he was beheaded.
Saint Anastasia began to preach in different cities and countries. In one of the villages, the formidable king ordered the death of all Christian prisoners in one night. When Anastasia came to prison in the morning and did not find a single martyr alive, she fell in tears of great sorrow. The guards, learning that she was also a Christian, seized her and took her to Diocletian. According to his orders, they tried for a long time to persuade her to renounce Christ, but the saint truly stood in her faith. She was sentenced to be drowned in the sea. The martyrs were put on a ship and a hole was drilled in its bottom, but Saint Theodotia appeared to the Christians, who stood on the sailing ship and helped Anastasia and other believers escape. The pagans, who were also on the ship, immediately believed in God. There were all 120 of them. Having learned about this, the king ordered everyone to be executed, and Saint Anastasia to be stretched between four pillars and burned in the fire. This is how it ended earthly life Holy Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker.

VMC. Anastasia Pattern Maker

The Suffering of the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker

Saint Anastasia was born in the famous city of Rome. She was distinguished by her nobility, spiritual and physical beauty, good disposition and meekness. Her father, named Praetextatus, was a senator and professed the Hellenic pagan faith. And her mother, named Favsta, believed in Christ. At a young age, Anastasia was entrusted by her mother to study to a worthy husband, known for his learning, and even more so for his piety. His name was Chrysogonus. He was a Christian, knew the Divine teachings of Christ well and subsequently became a martyr. From this holy husband, Anastasia learned not only to read and write; she also learned to know the One who is the beginning of everything visible and invisible, the goal of all heartfelt pious desires, the One true God, the Creator and Finisher of everything. And she began to diligently read Christian books, studying the law of the Lord day and night, and strengthening her heart in love for God.

When Anastasia completed her studies with Chrysogonus, they unanimously began to glorify her as a wise and beautiful maiden.

Meanwhile, Anastasia’s blessed mother, Favsta, departed from this life. The saint's father, against her wishes, married her to a certain Pomplius, who also came from a senatorial family and professed the Hellenic faith, and Anastasia was taken to the house of the groom, faithful to the unfaithful, the lamb of Christ to the wolf. But God, to Whom her sobs ascended, before Whom she prayed day and night, preserved her. The saint did not lose her virginity, and the unclean husband did not desecrate her pure body. Anastasia pretended that she had a constant and incurable female disease, and said that she could not be a wife to her husband. Sometimes, the husband forcibly, through struggle, wanted to get her to satisfy his lust, but Anastasia, with the invisible help of a guardian angel, broke away from his hands - and so she remained an immaculate virgin.

Often, taking off her luxurious clothes and precious jewelry and secretly putting on beggar's rags, Anastasia left the house, unknown to everyone except one slave who constantly accompanied her. With this slave, Anastasia went around all the dungeons, buying entrance into them with gold from the guards, visiting those suffering for the sake of Christ, serving them with reverence and zeal as much as she could. She washed the prisoners’ hands and feet, cleaned their tangled hair, full of dirt, wiped away their blood, tied their wounds with clean linen, and served everyone food and drink. Then, having served them enough, she returned home.

In these activities she often had to leave the house, and this did not hide from her husband. He learned that Anastasia was visiting prisoners, and became even more angry with her, especially since he had previously been annoyed with the saint for her refusal to lead a married life with him, and annoyed her a lot for that. And he learned about Anastasia’s affairs from the slave who accompanied her; this treacherous woman told him everything.

Having brutally beaten Anastasia, her lawless husband imprisoned the saint in separate room, placing a guard over her so that she could not leave the room. And the saint grieved in spirit for the prisoners for Christ, because she did not visit them, did not serve them, and did not supply them with everything they needed. Anastasia’s heart especially ached for her teacher, Saint Chrysogon, that she did not see him.

For two years now Saint Chrysogonus endured many different torments while in prison. While free, Anastasia often came to see him. Now, being imprisoned and under watchful supervision, she could not visit her teacher.

Her husband especially began to oppress Anastasia when the father of this pious wife, Pretextatus, died; the entire significant estate of Pretextatus was inherited by Anastasia as his only daughter, for he had no more children or relatives. And then Pomplius, taking advantage of the death of his father-in-law, out of hatred for Anastasia for her disagreement with his carnal desires, plotted to kill her in order to inherit all her property and live with another wife on other people’s money. Treating the saint as a captive and slave, he tortured and tormented her daily. This is known from her letter, secretly written by her to Chrysogon and sent through an old woman. Here is the letter:

"To the Holy Confessor of Christ Chrysogonus from Anastasia.

My father was an idolater; but my mother Fausta always lived pure and pious Christian life. And she made me a Christian from the very swaddling clothes of infancy. After her death, I took upon myself the heavy yoke of marriage to a pagan. But, by the mercy of God towards me, I successfully avoided his bed, pretending to be sick, and now day and night I embrace the feet of my Lord Jesus Christ. My husband, with unworthy and nasty idolaters, is wasting my inheritance, boasting of my wealth as if it were his own, and he languishes me, as a sorceress and an opponent of his pagan faith, in such a difficult prisoner that I have no choice but to give up my spirit to the Lord , fall dead. Of course, I should rejoice that, having suffered for the Lord, I will die confessing Him, but I deeply grieve that I see how all my riches, promised to God, are wasted by the hands of wicked and godless people. Therefore, I ask you, man of God, pray diligently to the Lord Christ, so that He will either leave my husband alive if he knows that he will ever believe, or, if he continues to remain in unbelief, then command him to come out from among the living and make room for those who honor God. It is better for him to die than not to confess the Son of God and to hinder those who confess Him. I call on Christ as a witness that if I am free, I will spend my life serving the saints and will diligently take care of them, as I have already begun to do... Save yourself, man of God, and have mercy on me.”

The following answer came to this letter to Saint Anastasia:

"Chrysogon - Anastasia. To you, confused by the storm and unrest of this world, Christ walking on the waters will soon come, and with one word he will calm the winds of the enemy's slander that blow against you. Being in the middle of the troubled sea, patiently wait for Christ, who will come to you, and cry ceaselessly in the words of the prophet: “Why are you discouraged, my soul, and why are you troubled? Trust in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.”(Ps 41:6). Expect double reward from God. For the temporal inheritance will be returned to you and the heavenly will be given to you: the Lord then from time to time allows evil and slows down His good deeds so that we do not sleep in safety. Do not be embarrassed when you see troubles befalling people who live in godliness. The Lord does not reject you, but tests you. Know also that the protection given by human hand is not durable, according to the word of Scripture: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.”(Jer. 17:5,7). Guard yourself firmly and cheerfully from all sins and seek consolation from the One God, keeping His holy commandments. Peace will soon return to you. Just as a bright day will shine after the darkness of the night, and just as a warm spring comes after a cruel winter, so golden and clear days will come to you, and then you will give temporary consolation to all those who suffer for the sake of the name of Christ, and you yourself will undoubtedly be worthy of eternal bliss... Save yourself in the Lord and pray for me."

Soon Anastasia was destined to experience new mortal insults from her ruthless wicked husband, and she again wrote a letter to Saint Chrysogonus. This is what was written in it:

“To the Confessor of Christ Chrysogonus from Anastasia. Remember me and pray for me, so that the Lord, out of love for Whom I endure the torments that the old woman sent to you will tell you about, will accept my soul.”

The saint answered her:

"Chrysogon - Anastasia. Light is always preceded by darkness, and after illness health often returns, and after death we are promised life. The same end for everyone, both for the lucky and for the sufferer, so that those who mourn are not overcome by despair, and so that joy, people did not indulge in self-conceit. There is one sea on which the boats of our lives set off, and with a single Pilot our souls make their voyage. The ships of some are stronger and pass through the waves without harm, while others have fragile boats that even in calm. are close to drowning. The time of death is near for those who do not think of coming to the saving haven. But you, immaculate servant of Christ, cling with all your thoughts to the Cross of Christ and prepare yourself for the work of the Lord, and when you serve Christ according to your own desire, then from torment. You will move triumphantly into the blessed life of Christ.”

With this letter, Saint Chrysogon prophesied the imminent death of her cruel husband Pomplius. And indeed, the latter was soon sent to Persia as an ambassador to the Persian king. Setting out on his journey, he had to sail across the sea. The ship on which he was sailing sank and drowned during a sudden storm. This is how this damned man died. Saint Anastasia, having preserved her virginity, like a bird got rid of the catcher’s net. Along with her freedom, she received the entire inheritance left to her from her parents. And she began, without interference from anyone, to go around the prisoners in the dungeons. She served the holy passion-bearers of Christ not only with her property. Along with this, she consoled them, with her prudent speeches she aroused them to courageous patience and to fearless death for Christ.

At that time, King Diocletian was in Aquileia and directed all his concerns to ensure that not a single Christian could secretly escape from his hands. He was informed from Rome that the prisons were filled with a great multitude of Christians, that, despite various torments, they did not deny their Christ, and that in all this they were supported by the Christian teacher Chrysogon, to whom they were submissive, following his instructions in everything. The king ordered all Christians to be put to torture and death, and Chrysogon to be sent to him. He thought that if his stubbornness overcomes him, he will easily overcome other Christians.

When Chrysogon was led to the king for testing, Anastasia followed her teacher from afar. Seeing the holy man, the king first began to talk with him, with meekness exhorting him to renounce Christ.

Accept, Chrysogonus, my good advice, - said the lawless ruler, - join our faith, do what is pleasing to the gods and choose for yourself the pleasant instead of the sorrowful, the useful instead of the unprofitable. Know that not only will you get rid of torment and receive the much-desired freedom, but in addition you will become the ruler of the great city of Rome. The saint answered this:

I have come to know the One God, and He is dearer to me than any light and more desirable than any freedom. He is dearer to me than my whole life, more useful than all treasures. In Him alone I believe with my heart, I confess Him with my lips, I honor Him with my soul, and before the eyes of all I bow my knees to Him. I will not honor many of your gods, in whom demons live; I think about them in the same way as Socrates, who says about them: “You need to avoid them in every possible way, because they seduce people and are well-known murderers.” The gifts and honor that you offer me, I value no more than sleep and darkness.

The king could no longer hear such free speeches of Chrysogon, and ordered the soldiers to take him and, leading him to a deserted place, cut off his head. The body of the saint was thrown on the seashore, not far from the dwellings of one presbyter Zoilus, a man of holy life, and three maidens - sisters in body and spirit, Agapia, Chionia and Irina. This presbyter, by revelation from God, learned about the body of Saint Chrysogon, took it along with the truncated head, and, putting it in the ark, hid it at home. After thirty days, Saint Chrysogon appeared to him in a vision and said:

Know that over the next nine days, three virgins of Christ living near you will be taken to torture. You tell the servant of the Lord Anastasia to take care of them, inciting them to the feat of courage until they are crowned with martyrdom. May you also have good hope that you will receive the sweet fruits of your labors. Soon you too will be freed from this life and will be taken to Christ with those who suffered for Him.

Saint Anastasia had the same revelation. And so, inspired by the Spirit of God, she came to the house of the presbyter, whom she had never known, and asked him:

Where are those girls whose martyrdom was revealed to him in a vision?

Then, having learned where they lived, she went to them and spent the night with them, talking with them about the love of God and the salvation of the soul. And with her speech she exhorted them to stand courageously, even to the point of bleeding, for Christ, their Bridegroom. At Presbyter Zoilus she saw the relics of the holy martyr of Christ Chrysogonus, her dear teacher, and cried a lot over them with warm tears, entrusting herself to his prayers. She then returned to Aquileia.

Soon after this, Saint Chrysogon's prediction to presbyter Zoilus was fulfilled. This presbyter, after nine days, passed over to the Lord, and the holy virgins Agapia, Chionia and Irina were taken and brought for questioning to King Diocletian. For a long time he exhorted them to sacrifice to idols, resorting now to caresses, now to threats, but he did not succeed in doing so and finally imprisoned them.

Saint Anastasia, visiting prisoners according to her custom, came to those holy virgins and consoled them, arousing in them hope in the constant help of Christ and hope for a glorious victory over the enemies of the Lord.

Meanwhile, the king had to go to Macedonia on state affairs, so the holy virgins were entrusted to the tormentor Dulcetius, who tortured and tormented them, and then handed them over to one committee, Sisinius, for torture. The latter threw Saints Agapia and Chionia into the fire. Here they gave up their spirit to God, leaving their bodies in the fire whole and undamaged. And Saint Irene was wounded by one of Sisinius’s soldiers with an arrow from a tight bow, after which the saint died. Saint Anastasia took their clean bodies, wrapped them in white shrouds with aromas and reverently laid them in a chosen place, appeasing their suffering.

Then Anastasia began to move from city to city and from country to country, the saint everywhere served Christians held in prison, delivered food and drink, clothing and everything necessary to the prisoners at her own expense, and provided medical care to the sick. She was a joy for all people who were seriously tested and exhausted in body, and with gold she bought them relief from long-term, difficult bonds. That is why Anastasia was called the Pattern Maker, since with her secret care she resolved the bonds of many. She brought relief to some, to others, healing with my own hands, she cured others from incurable wounds, and revived others who were half-dead with her care, giving them health and strength for the new torment that awaited them.

Wanting to help the sick and unfortunate, she learned the art of medicine and treated the wounded herself. She did not disdain to carry in her arms those who could not control either their hands or their feet, broken or ulcerated for Christ - and she herself put food into their mouths, gave them something to drink, cleaned out their pus, and tied up the scabs. And her only joy and joy was to serve Christ Himself in the person of those who suffer for the confession of the sweetest name of Christ. She cared about this with all her might, strove for this in every way, and, working in this matter with all her soul, she overcame her natural weakness, distinguished by generosity and courage, love for God and neighbors and care for the holy sufferers, who are always close to God and about whom she spoke with David: "I would be very honest with your friends, God"(Ps. 139:17).

While in Macedonia and doing her usual business there, Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker met one very young widow, Theodotia, who was from the country of Bithynia, from the city of Nicaea. After the death of her husband, she was left with three infant sons and lived in Macedonia, spending the days of her widowhood in the zealous profession of Christianity and in pious deeds. Blessed Anastasia often lived with that widow, loved her as a faithful servant of Christ, and was consoled by sweet conversation with her about the sweetest love of God, for which so many saints laid down their souls. Over time, they learned about Theodotia that she was a Christian, and the honest widow was captured and brought to the king for interrogation.

When she stood at this wicked trial, one of those surrounding the king, named Leucadius, was seduced by her beauty, since she was beautiful and splendid. He asked the king not to kill Theodotia, but to give her to him so that he could marry her. The king agreed, hoping that her husband would soon convert her to idolatry.

Leucadius took Theodotia and the children to his house, and did and said everything, begging her, exhorting her, caressing and threatening her, so that she would reject Christ and become his wife. Theodotia answered him:

If you are trying to have me be your wife because you want my riches and estates, then I voluntarily give you everything, but leave me to work for Christ, so that instead of all the riches I may inherit Christ alone. If you desire me out of attraction to my beauty and think to turn me away from my Christ, then know that you are striving for the impossible. For it is easier for you to turn my beauty into ugliness and life into death than for you to tear my mind away from Christ and force me to agree to marry you.

At that time, Leucadius needed to accompany the king, who was going somewhere. And he left, leaving Theodotia in his house, and did not return for a long time. Theodotia, somewhat relieved, served, together with Saint Anastasia, the prisoners, healed the sick, buried the dead, strengthened the living for great feats. And so Diocletian is again informed that the dungeons in the cities are filled with Christians, and that there is no place to put other prisoners. Then the wicked torturer ordered to kill all the prisoners with various executions, so that the dungeons, once freed, could accommodate other Christians. One night was appointed for this, during which a great many martyrs were called to the unflickering Day - Christ the Lord. Some died from the sword, others were drowned by water, some were burned in fiery furnaces, and others were taken alive by the bowels of the earth: deep ditches and pits were filled with people and covered with earth and stones.

In the morning, the Christ-loving and blessed Anastasia, according to her custom, came to one of the dungeons and, not finding any of the honest sufferers, filled the air with pitiful cries and sobs. When the soldiers who happened to be there asked her why she was crying so much, she answered:

I am looking for the servants of my God, who yesterday were in this prison, but now I don’t know where they are.

The soldiers, seeing that she was a Christian, immediately took her and took her to the head of the Illyrian region, Flora. When the saint was brought to the hegemon, he asked her:

Are you a Christian?

Saint Anastasia answered:

Truly I am a Christian. What seems vile to you is dear to me. And the name of a Christian, which is considered a disgrace among you, is honorable and glorious to me.

Then the hegemon began to ask Anastasia about her origins and, learning that she was from a famous Roman family, asked with surprise:

What prompted you to come here, leaving Rome, your glorious fatherland?

The saint answered him:

Nothing other than the voice of my Lord, calling me to Himself. Listening to this voice, I left my fatherland and friends, took up the Cross of my Christ and cheerfully and joyfully followed Christ.

The hegemon said to this:

Where is the Christ whom you confess?

Anastasia answered:

There is no place where Christ would not be. He is in heaven, in the sea, and on earth, He dwells in all those who call and fear Him, enlightening their minds and always being with them.

Hegemon asked:

Where are the people you speak of who fear your Christ? Tell us so we can recognize them.

The saint answered:

Until now they were with us on earth, living in the body, but now, having left the earthly world, they are in heaven and look at us from above. This bliss was brought to them by death, accepted for Christ. And I want to be among them and follow the same path as them.

The hegemon could not do anything with the noble Roman woman before the king knew about her, and therefore he, having described everything concerning Anastasia, sent it in a special report to Diocletian. Diocletian knew Anastasia's parents and her husband, as well as herself. Realizing that she was spending her estate, which she had received from her parents, on poor Christians, he ordered the saint to be brought to him and, seeing her, began to ask about her condition, since he loved wealth more than his gods.

Where are your riches left to you by your father?

The saint courageously answered:

If I still had any of the treasures and estates left with which I could still serve the servants of my Christ, then I would not have betrayed myself into the hands of people seeking Christian blood. But now I have already exhausted all my property, which I sacrificed to Christ, and I only have my body left, so I strive to offer it as a gift to my God.

Seeing how the saint spoke freely and foreseeing her courage, the king lost hope of defeating her with words and getting anything from her wealth, the depletion of which he had just heard. He was afraid to enter into further conversation with her, lest she shame him with her wise words, and ordered her to be taken to the regional commander, saying:

It is not proper for a royal majesty to talk to a mad woman.

The regional commander kindly asked Saint Anastasia:

Why don’t you want to make sacrifices to the gods, as your father made them, why did you leave them and honor Christ? After all, you do not know Him: He was born among the Jews and was killed by them as a villain.

Anastasia answered:

And in my house there were gods and goddesses, gold, silver and copper. I saw how they stood idly, serving only as a seat for birds, a home for spiders and flies. So I threw the gods and goddesses into the fire, freeing them from the dishonor that the birds, spiders and flies had inflicted on them. And they came out of the fire in gold, silver and copper coins. With that money I fed many hungry people, clothed the naked, helped the weak, and provided for the needy. And so from those gods who stood idle and useless, I benefited many.

Hearing such words, the regional commander exclaimed with rage:

I don’t want to hear about your godless act.

Then the saint answered with a grin:

I'm amazed at your intelligence, judge. How can you call my action an ungodly act? If those soulless idols had at least one feeling or one force, then what would prevent them from freeing themselves from the hands of their destroyers, or taking revenge on the destroyers, or, finally, screaming and asking for help from you? And they don’t even know about themselves, they don’t know what’s happening to them.

Interrupting the saint’s speech, the judge said:

Our divine king commanded you, putting aside all unnecessary conversations, to do one of two things: either agree to sacrifice to the gods or die an evil death.

The saint responded to this that to die for Christ does not mean to perish, but to enter into eternal life.

Seeing, after a long conversation, that the saint was adamant, the regional commander reported this to the king. Diocletian, in great anger, began to think about what to do with Saint Anastasia. One of those close to him advised the king to hand her over to Ulpian, the priest of the Capitol, so that he would persuade her to renounce Christ or force her through torture, or, if she did not submit, he would execute her by death, and if any property remained after her, he would take it from the Capitol . The king liked this advice, and he handed over Saint Anastasia to Ulpian, the high priest of all the gods.

Ulpian honorably brought her to his house, hoping to catch her with flattery rather than threats. After much gentle persuasion, he offered her a choice of opposing objects, containing all the splendor of the world and all kinds of instruments of torment, placing all this opposite each other: on the one hand gems, and on the other, double-edged knives; here are golden beds, decorated with precious crystal trim, and there are red-hot iron beds filled with burning coals; here are monists, earrings, various gold and pearl jewelry, and there are shackles, chains and iron bonds. There are bright mirrors and all kinds of women's outfits, and there are iron combs and spears intended for tearing the body. On one side are precious robes, on the other are fragments and sawdust, with which the torturers usually irritated the wounds inflicted on the martyrs.

Why did this treacherous and crafty man do this? Why did he put against luxury items - objects of torture and torment, against those that please - those that cause despondency, and against those that caress - terrible objects? In order to deceive with some or frighten with others the bride of Christ. But she didn’t pay attention to anything: she didn’t want anything that would amuse her, she wasn’t afraid and didn’t want to run away from objects that brought sorrow and despondency, and she looked more willingly at the instruments of torture than at women’s attire. Thus, what the prophet says happened to the damned: "lie to yourself"(Ps. 36:12) - and the insidious priest, without a presentiment, arranged everything for his own disgrace and shame; for Anastasia then showed even greater courage and love for Christ, so that all the vanity of the cunning intent of the pagan priest and the futility of his cunning were revealed. When he said to the saint: “Choose what you want from both sides,” she, looking at the luxury items and jewelry laid out in front of her, said:

All this, devil, is yours and those who work for you, with whom you will be in eternal destruction.

Looking at the chains and instruments of torment, Saint Anastasia said:

Surrounded by these objects, I will become more beautiful and more pleasing to my longed-for bridegroom - Christ. I choose this, and I reject this; I love this for the sake of my beloved Lord, and I hate this.

Then the priest, sparing her and not losing hope that she would change her desire, gave her three days to think. But the martyr, saddened, said:

Why delay? Why don't you want to torture me now? You will not hear anything else from me except what I say now: I will not make sacrifices to your gods, I will not fulfill the will of you and your king; but I will offer a sacrifice of praise to the King of the ages, my only immortal God, for whom I lay down my soul. But I despise the torments that you threaten, since I desire to gain nothing but Christ alone, in whom is eternal life.

The priest asked her:

Are you really choosing a death similar to Christ’s?

The martyr, hearing about the death of Christ, was filled with joy and said:

Amen, amen! May it be so with me, Christ my King!

The priest asked:

What does this word “amen” mean?

The saint answered:

You are not worthy to understand or pronounce this word. None of reasonable people does not pour precious myrrh into a rotten vessel.

Then Ulpian ordered that Saint Anastasia be taken for three days to the women she knew, who had once been her neighbors and friends, so that they would persuade her to return to the gods of her fathers. What did those crafty and wicked women do! What advice, what affectionate and pleasant words for women did they not whisper to Anastasia, reminding her of the beauty and sweetness of the world! But the saint was like a deaf woman who does not hear, and like a dumb woman who does not open her mouth. In those three days she did not take any food or drink into her mouth, but she constantly cried out in her heart to her Bridegroom, Christ. After three days High priest Ulpian, seeing that Saint Anastasia was firm in her confession of faith, like an unshakable pillar and an immovable mountain, condemned her to torment. But at first this accursed man, wounded by her beauty, wanted to defile the pure dove of Christ with his uncleanness. However, when this wicked man wanted to touch her, he suddenly went blind, a terrible pain squeezed his head, and, like a madman, he screamed and cried out to his gods, asking for help. He ordered himself to be carried to the idol temple, hoping to receive help from those whom he served, but, instead of help, he received great harm, and instead of life - death, for he cast out his evil soul and moved to his gods - to hell. The rumor about this miracle spread among many, and the holy martyr Anastasia remained free. Coming out of there, she went to the aforementioned spiritual sister of her Theodotia, who was still staying in the house of the mayor Leucadius, and told her in detail about everything that she had endured, and about the miracle that God performed through her, showing His mercy over her. Soon after this, Leucadius also returned from Bithynia. He again returned to his old ways and, as before, tried, either by kindness or by threats, to persuade Theodotya to two iniquities - to worship his wicked gods and to enter into a shameful and hateful marriage with him. Finally, having exhausted all his efforts and seeing that he could not succeed in anything because of Anastasia’s presence here, the cruel one flared up with even greater anger: he chained and brought Anastasia to trial, and sent Theodotya and her children bound to Bithynia to the anfipat Nikita, telling him The letter contains everything concerning Theodotia.

When blessed Theodotia was brought to this proconsul, the latter, during interrogation, began to threaten her with torture. To this the eldest son of Theodotia, named Evod, a small boy, said to the proconsul:

We, judge, are not afraid of torment, which gives the body incorruptibility and the soul immortality. We fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in fiery hell.

The judge, having heard such speeches, ordered immediately, in front of his mother, to beat the boy with rods until he bled. The mother, looking at this, rejoiced and strengthened her son with Divine words, convincing him to courageously endure all suffering. After this torture, Theodotya was given to one shameless man named Girtak, so that he could desecrate her. But as soon as he, approaching the chaste servant of God, wanted to touch her, he saw a bright young man standing next to her, who, looking at him menacingly, hit him in the face so hard that he was bleeding. The anfipat also clearly saw this miracle, but instead of knowing God, who preserves the purity of the chaste, he became even more mad, attributing it to the spell of sorcery. He ordered the stove to be lit as hot as possible and a mother and three children were thrown into it. And Saint Theodotia, with the blessed fruits of her womb, became a sacrifice acceptable to God: she died in fire.

At this time, Saint Anastasia was kept in chains by the Illyrian hegemon. This man was selfish, and having heard that Anastasia owned great wealth, he ordered her to be secretly brought to him and told her:

I know that you are rich and have a lot of money and estates. At the same time, you adhere to the Christian faith, which you yourself do not hide. Fulfill the commandment of your Christ. Who commands you to despise all riches and to be poor. Give me your wealth and make me heir to your estate. By doing this you will receive double benefit: You will fulfill the commandment of Christ and, freed from our hands, you will fearlessly and without restraint serve your God.

The wise Anastasia wisely answered this:

In the Gospel there is the word of my Lord: "Sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven"(Matt. 19:21). Who would be so crazy as to give you, a rich man, what belongs to the poor? Who would be so unreasonable as to give you, drowning in luxury and living in sweets and self-indulgence, the food of the poor? If I see you hungry and thirsty, naked and sick and thrown into prison, then I will do for you, as necessary, everything that Christ commanded us: I will feed you, give you something to drink, clothe you, visit you, serve you, help you, giving you everything you need (Matt. 26:34-45).

The hegemon was angry at these words and in a rage ordered to imprison the saint in a dark prison and starve her for thirty days. But she fed on her hope - Christ the Lord: He was her sweet food and consolation in sorrow. Every night the holy martyr Theodotia appeared to her, filled her heart with joy and strengthened her. Anastasia talked about many things with the blessed one, asked her about many things. By the way, she asked her:

How do you come to me after death?

Theodotia explained to her that the souls of the martyrs were given special grace from God, so that even after their departure from the earth, they could come to whomever they wanted, talk with them and console them.

After thirty days, the hegemon, seeing that Anastasia was not exhausted from hunger, and remained healthy and fair in complexion, became furious against the guards, thinking that they were delivering her food. Finally, he ordered her to be put in a stronger prison, sealed the entrance to it with his seal and, having assigned the most faithful guards, starved Saint Anastasia with hunger and thirst for another thirty days. And during this time the holy martyr, day and night, fed only with tears and fervently prayed to God. After these thirty days, the hegemon took Anastasia out of prison and, seeing that she again had not changed her face, condemned her to death along with others sentenced to death for various atrocities. All of them were determined to be drowned in the sea.

Among those sentenced there was one pious man named Eutychian, deprived of all his property for the sake of Christ, he was condemned to the same death. And so they all put them on a ship and sailed with them to the sea. Having reached the depth, the warriors drilled several holes in the ship, and they themselves moved into a boat, specially prepared for this purpose, and sailed to the shore. And when the ship was about to dive, suddenly those on it saw the holy martyr Theodotia, steering the sails and leading the ship to the shore, which it soon reached. All the condemned, seeing their salvation from drowning, were amazed and, falling at the feet of two Christians Eutychian and Anastasia, begged to enlighten them with the faith of Christ.

Coming ashore unharmed, they accepted the teaching of faith from Eutychian and Anastasia and were baptized. All the souls who were saved from drowning and believed in Christ were one hundred and twenty.

The hegemon, soon learning about this, became angry and issued an order to seize them and execute them with all kinds of executions, and to stretch the martyr Anastasia between four pillars and burn them. So the blessed Pattern Maker accomplished her suffering feat, was released from the bonds of the flesh and departed to the heavenly desired freedom. Her honorable body, undamaged by the fire, was begged from the hegemon’s wife by one pious wife, Apollinaria, who buried him with honor in her vineyard. Over time, when the persecution of the church stopped, she erected a church over the grave of the martyr.

Many more years passed, and the honest relics of Saint Anastasia became glorified. Then, with great honor, they were transferred to the reigning city of Constantinople, for the protection and salvation of the city, to the glory of Christ our God, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, glorified in one Godhead forever. Amen.

/According to the lives of St. Dimitry of Rostov/

The more serious the trials, the more capable we are of the sciences of prayer. Prison is a test that is much more serious. In freedom, the warnings, exhortations, and tears of loved ones did not touch the lost souls, did not reach the darkened consciousness. And here it comes. And the soul trembled with living pain, joyful pain, because if it hurts, it means it can be healed.

And it is not surprising that prison churches are now a common phenomenon. They build chapels in the zones and organize prayer rooms. Even a small holy corner with icons and a lamp is a consolation for prisoners.

There is such a city in Siberia - Mariinsk. Local priest Alexy Baranov said that among the prisoners there are more and more people wishing to be baptized in Christ. Lost souls ask and ask for healing... Prison churches are built mainly in the name of the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker.

There is nothing surprising here. She is the one Anastasia Pattern Maker, a very long time ago, back in the first years of Christianity, took upon herself the feat of helping prisoners languishing in prison. An ascetic from Rome, she was forcibly married to a pagan. But with the help of a fictitious illness, she preserved her virginity for the sake of the heavenly Bridegroom - Christ.

Pattern maker is a rare and beautiful word. There is some kind of silence, inconspicuousness in it - prerequisites Christian feat. Saint Anastasia lived like this - she gave alms to the poor, hiding from prying eyes, she visited prisoners, quiet, but with a firm word strengthened their spirit.

Anastasia the Pattern Maker also had another charitable deed: she buried the remains of executed martyrs in a Christian manner. The pagans found out about this. Anastasia was captured and set on fire. This happened 1700 years ago...

“...Ask us forgiveness of our sins,” we ask in prayer to Saint Anastasia. And in thousands of prison churches people fall to her icon, begging for forgiveness and hope.

The Holy Great Martyr Anastasia is depicted on icons with a cross in right hand and a small vessel in the left. The cross is the path to salvation; in the vessel there is holy oil, healing the most terrible wounds. Pattern solver means deliverer from bonds. From the bonds of sins, passions, lack of faith.

Despite the passing of 1,700 years, Anastasia the Pattern Maker still goes to prisoners in prison, healing their souls and giving hope for salvation. She also came to the prisoners of the maximum security colony in the city of Norilsk. Muscovite Valeria Vladimirovna Pronina told me about this colony. For 8 years now, she, a poor pensioner, has been sending her small contribution to this prison temple - icons, spiritual literature.
— Why exactly there, Valeria Vladimirovna?

“I came across a letter from there in one of the newspapers.

I noticed: people are not asking for food or clothing, but for spiritual books. How could I not respond?

I responded. And now he helps as best he can. AND kind words, and a pretty penny, and a new book. And that’s how interesting it is. Valeria Vladimirovna lives in Teply Stan. And they began to build a temple here. Which? Anastasia the Pattern Maker! For a year now, services have been going on in the church, and the servant of God Valeria is one of its most active parishioners. We recently received a transfer. Valeria Vladimirovna looked at the receipt - and her heart sank: her charges, prisoners from Norilsk, collected 500 rubles from the world for the temple in Warm Stan. Both here and there - Anastasia the Pattern Maker.

And if in the colony itself people who committed a crime pray in front of her icon, then in Tyoply Stan, and throughout our Russia, in churches in the name of St. Anastasia, mothers, daughters, brides, and sisters blackened with grief offer prayers. They pray for their imprisoned relatives. Anastasia the Pattern Maker united them in a feat of prayer. She is ready to come to the aid of all those who suffer - those who have taken at least a step towards salvation.

Quietly, humbly, but courageously and steadfastly, Saint Anastasia lived a short life, like the dawn... But for 1700 years, candles have been burning in front of her icon, akathists are being read, prayers are being served. Her life enters our lives as an example of service to God and neighbor.

How good it is that there are saints whom we can ask for our secret and in front of whose icon we are not ashamed of our own tears. After all, the more serious the test, the more capable we are of the science of prayer.

ANASTASIA THE PATTERN maker
Troparion, tone 4

Your Lamb, Jesus, Anastasia / calls with a great voice: / I love You, my Bridegroom, / and, seeking You, I suffer, / and I am crucified and buried in Your Baptism, / and I suffer for Your sake, as if I reign in You, / and I die for You, and I live with You, / but as an immaculate sacrifice, accept me, sacrificed to You with love. / Through prayers, as the Merciful, save our souls.

Another troparion, tone 4

On the occasion of the victorious Resurrection, you were truly named / you were named the martyr of Christ, / you brought victory to your enemies through torments with patience, / for the sake of Christ, your Bridegroom, whom you loved. / Pray to him to save our souls.

Kontakion, tone 2

In the temptations and sorrows that exist, / flowing to your temple, / honest gifts are received / from the Divine grace living in you, Anastasia: / for you are ever the source of healing for the world.

Prayer

Oh, long-suffering, wise great martyr of Christ Anastasia! You stand with your soul in heaven at the throne of the Lord, and on earth, by the grace given to you, you perform various healings: look mercifully at the people who are coming and praying before your relics, asking for your help: extend your holy prayers to the Lord for us and ask us for forgiveness of our sins, healing for the sick, the mourning and the needy ambulance; pray to the Lord to give us all a Christian death and a good answer at His Last Judgment, so that together with you we may be able to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.

Icon of the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker

Many funds are given to help Orthodox Christians. So, important part spiritual life is the veneration of icons. An icon is an image that relates our mind to the prototype, to the saint, the Lord, the Mother of God. Prayers before miraculous icons they truly work miracles, to which there is plenty of evidence from Christian believers. Thus, one of the very revered icons is the icon of St. Anastasia the Pattern Maker. Who does she help and when should you pray before her?

Help to Saint Anastasia

Saint Anastasia is a martyr of the first centuries of Christianity, who suffered from cruel persecution by the pagan emperor Diocletian. She was born in Rome, in the family of a pagan father and a mother who was a secret Christian. It was the mother who planted the seed of true faith in her daughter’s soul, which eventually bore fruit.

Having received a good education, Anastasia was known as an intelligent and pious girl. She had a spiritual mentor, the righteous man Chrysogon, who supported his student’s desire for Christian piety. However, the father of the righteous woman decided to marry her to a pagan. But the martyr managed to maintain purity even in marriage, citing an incurable illness that prevented married life.

During the time of Emperor Diocletian, Roman prisons were overcrowded with Christians because true faith God was brutally persecuted. Anastasia chose high service for herself - she secretly made her way into prisons, where she helped and supported prisoners to the best of her ability. She fed them, treated them, treated their wounds after torture and torture. But most importantly, she supported the prisoners in standing up for the faith and Christ. Thanks to her, many martyrs of that time received relief from their imprisonment.

Interesting! Saint Anastasia also died as a martyr, having been executed for her faith and help to other followers of the faith of Christ. Since then, she has stood before the Throne of God and raised our prayers to Him, helping all believers, just as she did during her earthly life.

Prayer before the icon of St. Anastasia the Pattern Maker helps:

• to endure the hardships of imprisonment for convicts in prison;
• gain confidence and strength before the court;
• avoid unfair condemnation;
• do not lose faith in the most difficult life situations.

Since in her earthly life the saint of God helped prisoners a lot, it is customary to pray in front of her icon for those who are serving sentences in prison. Her image is especially revered by religious prisoners; prayer services are held for her in every prison church.

How to pray correctly in front of the icon of St. Anastasia the Pattern Maker

Perhaps the most important point, which is worth understanding - it is not the icon that helps. It is not a board with paint or paper with printing that works miracles, heals and brings help. All this is given to us only by the Lord God in his own way. great love to every sinful person.

An icon is an image of a righteous person to whom we pray. This is a help to our mind, which is scattered over everything earthly, even in prayer. Looking at the image, it is easier for a person to concentrate on the main thing and not be distracted. Therefore, you should not give orthodox icons some magical magical properties. We reverence the image of the saint in our church, but precisely because he bears the image of a person who abides with God in better world. It is the personality of the glorified righteous man that matters, and not the fact of applying the image to paper or wood.

In addition, it is completely pointless to pray in front of an icon without faith in God. Saint Anastasia will not be able to help a person who turns to her for help in worldly matters, completely forgetting about the Heavenly Father. This often happens in today's life - people run to God's saints, as if they were some kind of wizards who can fulfill this or that desire.

You need to approach the image of Anastasia the Pattern Maker with firm trust in God’s Providence and with a pure heart. Then she will definitely hear and help. If a person is imprisoned justly and is being punished for truly committing evil, one must repent and ask holy help in atonement for sin.

Important! It is completely unacceptable to stand in front of an icon and ask for help in some unholy matter, for example, in hiding one’s guilt and the desire to escape a well-deserved punishment.

If a person is looking God's help dishonest, deceiving other people, causing them harm - such help will never come. Moreover, such a person will burden his soul even more with sin, since asking God to help in an evil deed is blasphemy.

Where is it better to pray in front of the icon of Anastasia the Pattern Maker - at home or in a temple?

There is no big difference where one approaches the image, as long as a person does it with faith. Another question is that for a Christian believer, visiting church is an integral part of spiritual life. And if life circumstances have developed in such a way that Saint Anastasia’s help is needed, then, of course, you cannot do without visiting the temple.

Having found an icon of Anastasia in the temple, you can buy a candle and place it on a candlestick. You can also venerate the shrine and pray in your own words, tell your misfortune and ask for help and consolation. In addition, you can order a prayer service for this particular saint, which it is advisable to attend in person.

In addition to visiting the temple, you can ask for help from the icon of Anastasia the Pattern Maker and at home. To do this, you need to stand in front of the home iconostasis, where there is an image of your beloved saint, and ask her for help. It should not be forgotten that Anastasia the Patternmaker helps not by herself, but only by interceding for each person before God. Therefore, it is important that in the home iconostasis, in addition to the icons of beloved righteous people, in the first place there are icons of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Most Pure Mother the Virgin Mary.

In addition, you can always take a small icon with the face of God’s saint with you on the road, or when going, for example, to court. If a person is ready to endure difficulties, putting himself in the hands of God and completely surrendering to His will, then the help of the saint will certainly be, and the person will feel it.

How does Anastasia Pattern Maker help?

Anastasia the Pattern Maker was born in Rome into a family in which her father was a pagan and her mother was a secret Christian. The saint took her mother’s side and dedicated her life to God. Before we find out how prayer to Saint Anastasia the Patternmaker helps, we suggest recalling some facts from her life.

Since childhood, the girl was told about God, and she joyfully learned the laws of Christianity. Anastasia was a beautiful girl, but no groom could woo her because she took a vow of virginity. At one point, the pagans learned that Anastasia was preaching Christianity and gave her the choice of either renouncing the faith or death. The girl, without hesitation, chose torment, but before that the executioner decided to abuse her. As a result, he went blind and died, unable to even touch Anastasia. After this, the girl was tortured for a long time, and then burned alive over a fire, but her body remained incorrupt.

How does Anastasia Pattern Maker help?

During her lifetime, the saint became famous for helping Christians who suffered for their faith and ended up behind bars. She helped people not only in deed, but also in word, since many were losing their inner strength. Anastasia found words of support for everyone, helping to get rid of existing worries, fears and despair. That is why she was later called the “Pattern Maker.”

In front of the image of the saint, prisoners can pray for liberation, but only if they have not committed a mortal sin. Not only prisoners, but also relatives who want to achieve the release of a loved one can turn to Anastasia. Speaking about how the icon Anastasia the Pattern Maker helps, it is worth noting that people who want to strengthen their faith or find peace of mind can offer prayers to it. The saint helps to find the right path in life and solve many problems. You can also offer petitions before the face of the saint for healing from various ailments.

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Icon and prayers of Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker

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The Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker had a difficult lot - to protect prisoners in prison dungeons from the bonds of melancholy and grief, from which she herself suffered. Saint Anastasia appeared to the world in an ordinary family. Washing was a secret Christian, which is what her daughter taught. She was the most capable student of Chrysogonus of Aquileia. She was famous for her kindness and ability to sympathize and her great desire to help people.

Icon of Anastasia the Pattern Maker

Around the 3rd century AD, in the dungeons of Rome there was a large number of imprisoned Christians. Anastasia secretly made her way into the prison rooms and fed the prisoners, bandaged their wounds, washed them, and looked after the completely infirm. When the husband found out about his wife’s deeds, he severely beat her and locked her in the room, placing guards at the door.

A lot of bad things befell the Great Martyr, but she was able to overcome all adversities and began to wander around the world to serve people who were imprisoned. Then the Almighty gave her the gift of healing. With her work and kind words, the Saint made life easier for many prisoners, helped them get rid of the bonds of despair and helplessness, which is why she was called the Pattern Maker.

Anastasia helped people and considered this her calling in life, but she herself suffered torment as punishment for her help. She was stretched between four pillars and burned. The fire could not damage the Saint's body. Soon the woman Appolinaria took her and buried her with all honors in her vineyard. This is how Anastasia’s suffering feat is noted in history.

The image of the Great Martyr Anastasia is the face of a woman who holds a cross in her right hand, and in her left hand a small vessel with holy oil. As you know, holy oil is the best medicine for those who are sick. In Greece, the Saint is called the Healer, since she actually healed:

• mental wounds,
• removed the bonds of fear,
• relieved melancholy and sorrow,
• treated for bodily illnesses.

Icon of Anastasia the Pattern Maker, what helps

Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker, how her image helps people can go on endlessly. They address the righteous Great Martyr:

• those who thirst for help to get rid of the bonds of sin;
• for deliverance from fear and from mental heaviness;
• Eastern Slavs pray to Anastasia during childbirth, as they consider her the patroness of pregnancy;
• illegally convicted in order to be acquitted;
• prisoners pray before her icon for a speedy release.

To this day, in many prison cells around the world there are icons with the face of the Saint: the condemned bow before her and ask for forgiveness for their worldly sins, begging for the Lord’s forgiveness through her.

Prayer from prison to Anastasia the Pattern Maker

The strongest orthodox prayer from prison gives moral strength, and gives faith in a speedy release. They address prayerful words specifically to Anastasia, because at one time she herself was a prisoner in her own house.

To call on Anastasia for help, you need to ask Her Holiness with pure thoughts, so that she turns to Jesus and begs for his will for the illegally detained.

Prayer to Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker

“Thou art truly named after the Victorious Resurrection, the martyr of Christ; thou hast brought victory to the torment of patience over the enemies, for the sake of Christ, thy Bridegroom, whom thou hast loved. Pray to him to save our souls".

Also, Orthodox Christians who are already in prison resort to the image of the Savior and pray to her for liberation with these words:

“O long-suffering and wise great martyr of Christ Anastasia! With your soul you stand in heaven at the Throne of the Lord, and on earth you performed various healings by the grace given to you; look mercifully at the people who are coming and praying before your icon, asking for your help, extend holy prayers to the Lord for us and ask us for forgiveness of our sins, help in merciful works, strengthening of the spirit in service, meekness, humility and obedience, healing for the sick, for the grieving , in the bonds of those who are present, quick help and intercession, beg the Lord to give us all a Christian death and a good answer at His Last Judgment, so that together with you we may be able to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

Prayer to Anastasia the Pattern Maker for release from prison

“Saint Anastasia, Pattern Maker! Help me in my sorrow, do not leave me with your mercy. The soul standing on the heavenly throne, tasting the Lord's mercy! Repose your holy face on the walls of the gloomy prison and let me, the servant of God (servant of God) (name), taste the pleasure of the glory of God. Look with your eye at the one standing in front of you, extend my prayers to the Lord and ask my soul for forgiveness of sins. For my iniquity, I do not dare to raise my eyes to the heights of heaven, to disturb the Almighty with my prayer. Be my intercessor, I call on you as a prayer book for my past sins. You have received grace from the Mother of God to heal passions and drive away sorrows, so bend over the prisoner, be his comforter in sorrows, a healer in severe ailments and a protector in attacks. Do not despise me, unworthy, intercede with God for grace for him who loved you. In the name of the one God in the Holy Trinity, the Glorified Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Amen. Amen"

Days of veneration of the image

The Holiness is revered by both Orthodox and Catholics. Orthodox Christians hold prayer services in memory of the Savior on December 22 in the new style (January 4 in the old style). Catholics venerate Anastasia on December 25th.

Saint Anastasia is one of seven women, besides the Virgin Mary, who is included in the canon of the Mass.

Where are the relics of Her Holiness located?

Initially, the relics of the Saint were kept in Sirmium, where she was buried, then they were transferred to Constantinople. After a while, the relics of the Savior scattered throughout Europe. The most revered places with relics:

• Benediktbeuern Monastery;
• monastery on Holy Mount Athos;
• Cathedral of St. Anastasia in Hovatia.

Remember, when you are overcome by all kinds of illnesses: be it mental or physical, there is no shame in turning to the Saints for help. To those who believe in the help of the Lord, His grace will descend.

God bless you!

Watch also the video about the Great Martyr Anastasia:

Life of Anastasia the Pattern Maker and prayer to her

As often happens in life, an unexpected misfortune can overtake a person “out of the blue.” The world is unfair, and they can condemn an ​​innocent person for a crime he has not committed. There are often cases when someone became a victim of an unjust trial due to an absurd accident, a slander, or unwittingly turned from a witness into an accused.

Who should we look to for help if we can’t find truth on earth? One way is to turn to Anastasia the Pattern Maker in prayer, asking her for support and intercession.

Who is she?

The father of the future saint, a rich and noble Roman, was a pagan, and his mother secretly professed Christianity. Therefore, under her influence, Anastasia mastered the basics from childhood Christian faith, and in her youth she became a student of the pious and highly educated Christian Chrysogon.

When the girl’s mother died, her father married her to a certain Pomplius, who was also a pagan. Not wanting to be desecrated, Anastasia referred to a fictitious illness and retained her virginity.

She decided to devote her entire life to serving the prisoners languishing in prison, among whom were many Christians. This was the beginning of the 4th century - the time of the reign of Emperor Diocletian, a persecutor of adherents of the Christian faith.

The girl changed into beggar's rags and, accompanied by one maid, went to the dungeons, where brought food and drink, bandaged wounds, and sometimes freed fellow believers with the help of a ransom.

It is unknown for what reasons, but the maid told Pomplius about these visits, and he Having severely beaten Anastasia, he locked her in the house. Secret correspondence with the teacher served as spiritual support for the captive. Chrysogon taught her patience, thoughts about the Cross of Christ, preparing her for fearless service to Him.

In one of his letters, he predicted that Anastasia’s husband would soon die at sea. After some time, this is what happened: Pomplius, who was sailing on a ship as part of an embassy to Persia, actually drowned.

This freed the hands of the young widow, and Anastasia generously helped those in need, especially Christian prisoners.

Pagans have always been amazed at how steadfastly Christians endure all torture and torment.. Diocletian was informed about this, who, in a rage, ordered the execution of all followers in one night. Christian teaching, who are in Roman prisons, and Chrysogonus should be sent to him. And Anastasia followed her spiritual mentor.

During a personal interrogation, the emperor demanded that Chrysogon renounce the faith of Christ, but, not achieving what he wanted, he ordered him to be beheaded and his remains thrown into the depths of the sea. However, the waves carried them to the shore, where they were found by the pious presbyter Zoilus. Having placed the remains of the martyr in the ark, he hid them in his home.

Chrysogonus prophesied even after his death. So, he appeared to Zoilus and warned that danger threatened three young Christian women who lived nearby, and ordered Anastasia to be sent to them so that she would spiritually strengthen them before the upcoming trials. And at the same time Saint Anastasia was shown in a vision the path to Zoilus.

After the death of three girls, having buried them in fulfillment of the teacher’s will, Anastasia went on a journey. During these years, she mastered the art of medicine, which helped her serve those in prison even more selflessly. It was this daily feat of hers that gave the saint the name Pattern Maker, i.e. “lightening bonds” - shackles, shackles.

The young pious widow Theodotia became Anastasia’s faithful assistant.. They visited prisons together and were then persecuted together.

When once again, by order of Diocletian, all the prisoners professing Christ were destroyed in one night in the dungeons, Anastasia, coming to prison and not finding anyone there, burst into tears, mourning them. The prison officials realized that she was also a Christian, and, seizing her, they took her to the ruler of this region..

The scenario for all interrogations of the pagans was the same: first they tried to persuade them to renounce with threats or, conversely, promises, and then resorted to torture. So it was with Anastasia. Having failed to achieve a result, the ruler handed it over to Ulpian, the Capitoline priest.

The insidious priest decided to “play on contrasts”: on the one hand, he placed jewelry, gold, luxurious clothes, and on the other, terrifying instruments of torture, offering the Christian this choice.

Steadfast in her faith, Anastasia did not set her sights on wealth and chose torture. However, her time had not yet come, and the Lord was pleased to prolong her selfless service to the suffering. The girl’s beauty did not go unnoticed by the priest, and he desired her. But, before he even had time to touch her, the tormentor was immediately deprived of his sight.

Overcome by despair and pain, the Capitoline priest rushed to run to the pagan sanctuary, begging the idols for help, but did not have time to reach him - he fell on the road and died.

Having been released, Anastasia, together with her faithful ally Theodotia, continued their ascetic activity. But soon Theodotia, along with her three sons, were captured and, after much torture, which they endured with courage, they were thrown into a red-hot furnace.

Anastasia was also arrested for the second time. She was sentenced to starvation. She spent two months in prison without food.. Every night the spiritual strength of the prisoner was strengthened by Theodotia appearing to her. Seeing that this execution did not bring harm to Anastasia, the judge pronounced a new sentence: to drown the saint along with 120 real criminals. Among those condemned was the persecuted Christian Eutychian.

The execution took place in this way: the ship with those sentenced to death was taken out to the open sea. The guard soldiers, having previously drilled holes in its bottom and sides, moved into the boat. However, this sentence was not destined to be fulfilled: Theodotia appeared to the condemned and sent the ship to the shore, which it safely reached.

Amazed by this miracle, all the prisoners believed in the truth of Christianity, and Anastasia and Eutychian baptized them. But they still had to glorify themselves with new trials. After some time, all the converts were captured, tortured and sentenced to martyrdom.

Saint Anastasia was stretched out in the form of a cross between four pillars, and a fire was laid below. However, her body was not damaged by the fire, and it was buried in the garden by a pious woman named Apollinaria.

In the 5th century, the incorruptible relics of the Great Martyr Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople. A temple was built here in her name. Later, not far from Holy Mount Athos, the monastery of Anastasia the Pattern Maker was created, and her head and right hand were transferred there.

What do they pray to her for?

Already based on the facts of the saint’s life, it can be assumed that They pray to her in situations where help is needed related to permission from bonds:

• Those in custody are asking for relief from these very bonds.
• Pious Christians are about turning to the Savior those who have committed a serious crime, as well as the lost.
• Those who have realized their actions and repent of them can ask for speedy release.
• About a fair trial - before the trial, in order to avoid imprisonment.

Pregnant women can also ask for a safe “permission from bonds”, since expectant mothers are also under the patronage of the saint. They pray to her during pregnancy and childbirth.

They turn to the Great Martyr Anastasia in every need, praying for family and friends, for physical and mental health.

Icon and prayers

O long-suffering and wise great martyr of Christ Anastasia! With your soul you stand in heaven at the throne of the Lord, and on earth you perform various healings by the grace given to you. Look mercifully at us, unworthy (names), asking for your help: extend your holy prayers to the Lord for us, and ask us for forgiveness of our sins, healing for the sick, quick help for the grieving and needy; pray to the Lord to give us all a Christian death and a good answer at His Last Judgment, so that together with you we may be worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

If the trial has already taken place, the sentence has been announced or the person is already serving a sentence, it is useful for prisoners to read the following prayer:

Saint Anastasia, Pattern Maker! Help me in my sorrow, do not leave me with your mercy. The soul standing on the heavenly throne, tasting the Lord's mercy! Repose your holy face on the walls of the gloomy prison and let me, the servant of God (servant of God) (name), taste the pleasure of the glory of God. Look with your eye at the one standing in front of you, extend my prayers to the Lord and ask my soul for forgiveness of sins. For my iniquity, I do not dare to raise my eyes to the heights of heaven, to disturb the Almighty with my prayer. Be my intercessor, I call on you as a prayer book for my past sins. You have received grace from the Mother of God to heal passions and drive away sorrows, so bend over the prisoner, be his comforter in sorrows, a healer in severe ailments and a protector in attacks. Do not despise me, unworthy, intercede with God for grace for him who loved you. In the name of the one God in the Holy Trinity, the Glorified Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Amen. Amen.