Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Anastasia the “Deliverer from Potions” in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Anastasia the Pharmakolitria came from Rome and lived during the period when Diocletian was emperor. She was the daughter of Praepextatus and Fausta who was a Christian. After the death of her mother, Anastasia was taught the Christian faith by a Christian teacher named Chrysogonus. The Saint was distinguished for her beauty, her spiritual culture and her ethos.

Anastasia married at a young age, against her will, with a fanatical pagan named Poplionas. The Saint, being a Christian, secretly offered her help to needy people, giving money and food. When Poplionas was informed of her action, she handed her over to Diocletian who ordered her to be tortured and finally thrown into the fire. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates her on December 22 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Anastasia the Great Martyr of Rome

Fourth Tone

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy.