St. Anastasia, Virgin and Martyr (304 AD)
Full Name: St. Anastasia of Sirmium
Period: 3rd Century (Died: December 25, 304 AD)
Feast Day: December 25
Place of Birth: Rome / Sirmium (modern Serbia)
Special Significance: Heroic martyr commemorated in the Roman Canon of the Mass; patroness of widows, weavers, and against poisons.
Youth and Life of Faith
Educated by St. Chrysogonus, she married a pagan named Publius who mistreated her, yet she remained steadfast in prayer and virginity.
After her husband's death, she used her wealth to care for imprisoned Christians.
Prison Ministry and Sacrificial Service
During Diocletian's persecution, she nursed prisoners, earning the title "Deliverer from Potions/Poisons" in Eastern traditions.
Martyrdom and Final Days
Refusing to renounce her faith, she survived starvation and drowning before being burned at the stake on Christmas Day, 304 AD. She is commemorated during the Christmas Mass at Dawn.
Spiritual Lesson
Remaining steadfast in faith during household trials and serving the imprisoned and oppressed selflessly is the lesson taught by St. Anastasia.