Anastasia (d. 304)

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Anastasia (d. 304)

Christian saint. Name variations: Anastasia of Sirmium. Died 304.

A Roman of noble birth, suffered martyrdom during persecution of Christians in Sirmium (modern-day Yugoslavia) under Roman emperor Diocletian; when Christian mother died, forced to marry a pagan by father; treated cruelly by husband on learning belatedly that she was a Christian; after he died, devoted herself to secret works of charity, using what remained of her fortune to relieve the Christian poor; when her works caused suspicion, was arrested with 3 female servants and all were ordered to sacrifice to idols; on refusal, was banished, and servants were executed; brought back to Rome and burned alive. In the Orthodox Church, her feast is celebrated Dec 22; in Roman Catholic Church, she is the only saint to be celebrated on a major feast day, receiving a special commemoration in the 2nd Mass of Christmas Day.

See also Women in World History.