Saint Anysia of Thessalonica (Greek: Άγία Άνυσία) was a Christian virgin and martyr of the 4th century. Anysia was born to a wealthy and pious Christian family in Thessalonica. She dedicated herself to vows of chastity and poverty, praying and helping the poor.
Anysia of Thessalonica | |
|---|---|
.jpg) The assault and murder of Saint Anysia by the soldier, from the Menologion of Basil II, 10th century | |
| Martyr | |
| Born | 284 Thessalonica, Macedonia, Roman Empire |
| Died | 304 Gate of Cassandra, Thessalonica, Macedonia, Roman Empire |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church |
| Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
| Major shrine | Basilica of Saint Demetrios, Thessaloniki,  Greece |
| Feast | 30 December[1] |
| Attributes | Veil, cross |
Background
editThe legend of her martyrdom states that, in 304, a Roman soldier apprehended her as she was on her way to Mass. Discovering she was a Christian, he beat her, and intended to drag her to a pagan temple to sacrifice to Roman gods. When he tore off her veil (a reminder of her vow of chastity), she spat in his face, and he murdered her.[2]
References
edit- ^ "St. Anysia at Thessalonica | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese".
- ^ Jones, Terry. "Anysia of Salonika". Patron Saints Index. Archived from the original on January 1, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
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