St Anysia, Virgin-Martyr of Thessalonika

18th Century Russian Icon: St. Anysia is under the Virgin of Kazan, Far Left

As a doubly-shining lamp of truly mystical brightness

do ye shine upon the Church like a high-towering beacon:

thou with beams of martyr's glory, O Anysia;

thou with rays of great ascetic deeds, O Melania.

Now together ye are honoured by Christ your Bridegroom for your travails in His Name.

(from the Greek Orthodox Church)

The Holy Virgin Martyr Anysia lived in the city of Thessalonica during the reign of the emperor Maximian (284-305). Upon the death of her parents, who had raised her in Christian piety, St Anysia sold everything she owned, distributing her riches to the poor, and she began to lead a strict life of fasting, vigil, and prayer. During his persecution against Christians, Maximian issued an edict stating that anyone had the right to kill Christians with no fear of punishment. Soon there were many bodies to be found in cities, towns, and by the roadside. Once, when St Anysia was on her way to church, a pagan soldier stopped her and demanded that she come along to the festival of the sun to offer sacrifice. St Anysia gently pulled herself away from him. When he soldier boldly grabbed her and attempted to tear the veil from her head, she shoved him, spit in his face and said, "My Lord Jesus Christ forbids you!" In anger, the soldier ran her through with his sword. Those gathering over her body wept and loudly complained against the cruel emperor for issuing an edict that resulted in the death of many innocent people. Christians buried the martyr near the city gates, and a chapel was built over her grave. (from the OCA website)