Anastasia (d. about 860)

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Anastasia (d. about 860)

Christian saint. Name variations: Athanasia. Born and lived on the island of Aegina.

Was forced into an advantageous marriage, even though she had looked forward to the life of a religious from childhood; when husband was killed in defense of Aegina, forced to marry a 2nd time, but new husband was as wealthy and generous as she, and their home became a refuge for the poor; after husband became a monk and left her his possessions, gathered companions to her home and trained them for the religious life; with the help of a priest called Matthias, went with them into the wilderness of Timia where she built her convent, which she directed until her death; reputedly corresponded with the empress Theodora the Blessed (fl. 842–856). Feast day is Aug 14.

See also Women in World History.