Holy Martyr Anisia

Saint Anisia was born in the Greek town of Thessalonica at the end of the 12th century. Her rich parents were devout and kind. They brought Anisia up in the spirit of Christianity. Orphaned in her young age, Anisia inherited a rich estate – many slaves, vast lands and much gold and jewelry.

Christians were persecuted severely at that time. By the order of emperor Maximian (284-305) all the Christians refusing to denounce Christ and make sacrifices to pagan gods were tortured and executed. Anyone could kill a Christian and get away with it unpunished. Knowing that it is hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, St. Anisia freed her slaves, sold her property and began to help widows, orphans, paupers and the imprisoned. St. Anisia not only helped them with money, but also looked after the sick, bandaged the wounds of the martyrs and consoled the sorrowful. When all of her money was spent, she became so poor that she had to start working in order to have food for herself. But she continued to visits prisons and comfort the aggrieved.

One day on her way to a meeting of Christians St. Anisia saw big crowds of people hurrying to the pagan temple of the god of the Sun. She shunned the loud crowd and continued her way, but one of the soldiers noticed her and asked her who she was and where she was going. She humbly replied, "I am a servant of Christ and I am going to my church."

The soldier grabbed her rudely and wanted to force her to join the crowd, so that she would be compelled to make sacrifices to a pagan idol there. St. Anisia broke away from him saying, "Lord Jesus Christ forbid you!" Having heard the name of the Lord which he hated the furious pagan struck her with his sword. St. Anisia fell dead to the ground. Thus the young saint gave her innocent soul into the hands of Jesus. Christians buried the body of the martyr in Thessalonica near the town gates.

Troparion:
O Jesus Christ, Anisia, Thy lamb, is crying out to Thee: loving Thee and seeking Thee, my Bridegroom, I suffer crucifixion and burial for Thy baptism, and martyrdom for Thee, as I triumph in Thee and die for Thee, and live in Thee. Accept me as an unblemished sacrifice, consecrating myself with love to Thee. Through Thy prayers save our souls, as you are merciful.

Source: http://www.fatheralexander.org