Akathist to Anastasia the pattern maker. Akathist to the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker. Text of the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker

Akathist to Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker

Kontakion 1
To the chosen saint of Christ, the all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, we offer praise, for she has great boldness in the Lord to free the faithful from all troubles, sorrows and illnesses, and we cry out with love: Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls .

Ikos 1
You have become like an angel with a pure mind, having cognized Him who is the eternal beginning and one end of all the visible and invisible desires of all the pious; We, praising your wise teaching from the holy martyr Chrysogonus, cry out to you with love: Rejoice, thou who loved the faith of Christ; Rejoice, thou who followed the piety of thy mother Fausta. Rejoice, having preserved the purity of your virginity; Rejoice, always invisibly guarded by Angels. Rejoice, having drawn closer to God through your purity; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 2
Seeing Saint Anastasia, how many Christians are suffering in prison for the Name and teaching of Jesus Christ, I began to serve them with zeal, and I help God to console and heal, singing with reverence: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
The god-wise Anastasia understood that the whole red world of this world is involved in corruption, and for this reason, having despised bright clothes and valuable utensils, secretly putting on the clothes of the poor, entering into prisons to serve as a confessor of Christ; We mentally follow her, calling out to her with love: Rejoice, imitator of Christ; Rejoice, visitor to prisoners in prison. Rejoice, consoler of Christ's confessors; Rejoice, you who squandered your gold and silver on them. Rejoice, you who have acquired the Kingdom of Heaven by them; Rejoice, you who washed the hands and noses of the saints and cleansed their hair. Rejoice, you who healed their ailments and buried their bodies honestly; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 3
Strengthened by strength from above, holy martyr, serve piously the saints and disgrace the hater of all virtues, the devil, who allowed a slave to slander before her unfaithful husband; We, praising your goodness, Anastasia, sing with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Having great love in the Lord for all those who suffer in prison for the Name of Christ, for the sake of which you suffered many blows from an unfaithful husband, you finally found a prison for yourself in his house; Also marveling at her courage, we cry out to her: Rejoice, chosen bride of Christ; Rejoice, zealous guardian of the commandments of Christ. Rejoice, having fulfilled this not only in word, but also in deed; Rejoice, you are ready to lay down your soul for your friends. Rejoice, you who accepted much bitterness for Christ; Rejoice, having become like strong adamant with your patience. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 4
Your wicked tormentor husband raised a storm of his rage against you, as a captive and a slave, imputed to you, Saint Anastasia; We, remembering the bitterness from him and your suffering, sing to the Lord who strengthened you: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
Blessed Anastasia heard how much her holy teacher Chrysogon had endured for Christ, and she followed him with her suffering and secretly wrote to him: “Teacher! I want to die and there is nothing else left, but having given up the ghost, I will fall dead.” We, marveling at your patience, say to our mother: Rejoice, you who did not spare your honest flesh; Rejoice, you who threw yourself at the feet of Christ day and night. Rejoice, you who wished to squander your wealth of God for the sake of the poor; Rejoice, you who act wisely will buy. Rejoice, you who alone have care for those suffering in chains; Rejoice, you who entered the Heavenly Palace without restraint. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 5
Like a godly star, you appeared in the Roman land, to the Great Martyr Anastasia, visiting those suffering for Christ in prison and strengthening their hearts in faith, so that they may ever cry with you to the Savior of all, God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Seeing you, your God-bearing teacher Chrysogon, in the confusion and excitement of this world, I commanded you to cry out to you with the prophet: “For all that you are sorrowful, my soul, and for all that has troubled me, trust in God”; We, remembering your grief and sadness even for God, call you: Rejoice, having placed all your trust in the Lord; Rejoice, you who endured the cramped conditions of the Kingdom for the sake of the Heavenly One. Rejoice, through your purity you have been deemed worthy to live in heaven with the angels; Rejoice, having drawn closer to God through your sorrows. Rejoice, through your prayers you deliver us from many sorrows; Rejoice, through your intercession you free us from temptations. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 6
The whole Christian world preaches your honest deeds, Great Martyr Anastasia, and glorifies your suffering, pleases your martyrdom and sings to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
You shone more than the sun with your virtues in the great city of Rome, when the prophecy of your teacher Saint Chrysogon about the death of your godless husband was fulfilled. For being free, you began to care for the martyrs of Christ with great zeal; We, looking with love at your deeds, say to you: Rejoice, zealous helper to the suffering; Rejoice, you who consoled the friends of Christ with divine words. Rejoice, who had great care for three virgins: Agapia, Hibnia and Irina; Rejoice, you who strengthened those for the feat of martyrdom. Rejoice, you who had sorrow in your mind; Rejoice, you who have made your heart the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, completely aflame with the fire of love for God; Rejoice, you who have found His heavenly cover in the shelter. Rejoice, thou who through thy courage has completely overthrown the enemy of salvation; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 7
The desire of Saint Chrysogon to die for Christ was fulfilled by God's Providence: when you saw the honorable relics of your teacher, the passion-bearer, lovingly kissing them, you burst into tears, from the depths of your soul uttering a song to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7
New grace and strength were given to you by our Lord, when you accepted the feat of moving from city to city, visiting those in chains. We, following your journey, tenderly cry out to you: Rejoice, follower of the footsteps of Christ; Rejoice, servant of many saints. Rejoice, you who were ignorant of Christ’s purity; Rejoice, glorified great martyr. Rejoice, thou named pattern maker; Rejoice, thou who with thy gold buys freedom for the faithful from the bonds of prison. Rejoice, through your prayers you free us from the bonds of sin; Rejoice, you who send down healing to the sick. Rejoice, raising up the half-dead by God’s command; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 8
Your journey with the holy martyr Theodotia has weakened many: healing has been granted to the sick, burial has been prepared for many who have died, and strengthening to the living for greater deeds of virtue; Vouchsafe us unworthy, holy one, to sing intelligently to God with your prayers: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
The entire temple of the prison was filled with many tears and sobs of yours, having always flown into the nude early according to your custom and having found not a single one from the prisoners who were imprisoned for the Name of Christ, all of them were put to death one night by the command of the evil king; We, remembering your sorrow for the friends of God, cry out like this: Rejoice, you who with zeal searched for the servants of Christ in prison; Rejoice, having once again found those in the Heavenly Villages. Rejoice, you who took up the cross of the Lord with love on your frame; Rejoice, thou who hast been worthy to see everywhere with intelligent eyes the eyes of the Lord Almighty. Rejoice, for your love for your neighbors you have gained great boldness towards God; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 9
I created wicked tormenting advice against you, the invincible passion-bearer, wanting to incline you to idolatry; You fearlessly called out to them: “I am the Servant of Christ, and I sing to Him day and night: Alleluia.”

Ikos 9
The chief priest of the idolatry is with you, although he might catch your holy soul with flattery; But you, having learned all the cunning of the enemy, put the tormentor to shame and changed all evil into good, looking fearlessly at the instruments of torment and all the torment; We, marveling at your courage, call your voices tender: Rejoice, you who voluntarily left all the red of this world; Rejoice, you who wished to accept various torments for Christ. Rejoice, you who wished to go to death with love; Rejoice, you who astonished your tormentors with your patience. Rejoice, having adorned the Church of Christ with your sufferings; Rejoice, demons who have straightened your legs. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 10
Make it possible for all those who want to be saved through your prayers, great martyr, before the Lord and ask for remission of the sins of those who honor your suffering, so that we cry with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
Saint Anastasia loved the Heavenly King with all her heart and was quickly thrown into prison for the Sweetest Jesus, having been consumed by hunger and thirst and strengthened by prayer; In the same way, glorifying that honest suffering, we send to her the following song: Rejoice, follower of the passion of Christ; Rejoice, thou adorned with victorious glory. Rejoice, praise and magnification to pious women; Rejoice, having ascended through earthly prison into the Heavenly Palace. Rejoice, thou who art settled there with the martyrs; Rejoice, you who remember us through your prayer at the Throne of God. Rejoice, thou who quickly destroyeth the bonds of sin; Rejoice, you who drive away demons from people. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 11
We offer you an all-contrite song, glorifying your suffering for Christ, and we pray to you: holy passion-bearer, ask the merciful Lord for health, long life, and victory and victory over your enemies. Grant to us, who praise your torment, peace and salvation, so that we may sing to God forever: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
With a bright and joyful face you followed the suffering prepared for you from your tormentors, as we call with joy: Rejoice, you who were delivered from drowning in the sea by God’s vision; Rejoice, extended tormentor to the four pillars and thereby becoming like the Son of God crucified on the Cross. Rejoice, burning with fire even to death; Rejoice, infinite treasury of healings. Rejoice, abundant cup of God's gifts; Rejoice, all good wishes are speedy to the fulfiller. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 12
Grant grace from above to all of us, flowing with love to the race of your relics, and ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and healing for the sick and suffering, and let us all cry out in gratitude to God, wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing the feats of your free martyrdom for Christ, we bow to your suffering, venerable great martyr, we honor your holy death and pray to you, extend your help from heaven to us, who live in the darkness of passions and temptations and cry out to you: Rejoice, holy great martyr, who brought her body as a God-pleasing sacrifice in manifold torments; Rejoice, turtledove, who flew up to Jerusalem on High. Rejoice, pure and immaculate bride of Christ; Rejoice, spiritual censer, bringing incense of prayer for us to God. Rejoice, for those who honor your memory and your sufferings have a mirror of a life pleasing to God; Rejoice, you who quickly heal illnesses of soul and body. Rejoice, bright way of life for all who hope to achieve a Christian death; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 13
O long-suffering and wonderful, holy Great Martyr Anastasia! Accept our present little prayer from your unworthy servants, offered to you with love, and ask Christ the God of our sinful bonds for permission, so that through your prayers we may be delivered from the wrath of God and eternal condemnation, and may we be worthy in the Kingdom of Heaven, together with you, to sing to God forever: Alleluia .
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

(module Anywhere)

Kontakion 1

We offer praise to the chosen saint of Christ, the all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, as she has great boldness in the Lord to free the faithful from all troubles, sorrows and illnesses, and with love we cry out to her:

Ikos 1

You have become like an angel with a pure mind, having cognized Him who is the eternal beginning and one end of all the visible and invisible desires of all the pious; We, praising your wise teaching from the holy martyr Chrysogonus, cry out to you with love:
Rejoice, thou who has loved the faith of Christ; Rejoice, thou who followed the piety of thy mother Fausta. Rejoice, having preserved the purity of your virginity; Rejoice, always invisibly guarded by angels. Rejoice, having drawn closer to God through your purity;
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 2

Seeing Saint Anastasia, how many Christians are suffering in prison for the name and teaching of Jesus Christ, I began to serve them with zeal, and I help God to console and heal, singing with reverence: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The God-wise Anastasia understood that the whole red world of this world is involved in corruption, and for this reason, having despised bright clothes and valuable utensils, secretly donning the clothes of the poor, entering prisons to serve as a confessor of Christ; We mentally follow her, appealing to her with love:
Rejoice, imitator of Christ; Rejoice, visitor of prisoners in prison. Rejoice, consoler of Christ's confessors; Rejoice, you who squandered your gold and silver on them. Rejoice, you who have acquired the Kingdom of Heaven by them; Rejoice, you who washed the hands and noses of the saints and cleansed their hair. Rejoice, you who healed their ailments and buried their bodies honestly;
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 3

We are strengthened by strength from above, holy martyr, serve graciously the saints and disgrace the hater of all virtues, the devil, who allowed a slave to slander her before her unfaithful husband; We, praising your goodness, Anastasia, sing with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having great love in the Lord for all those who suffer in prison for the Name of Christ, for the sake of which you suffered many blows from an unfaithful husband, you finally found a prison for yourself in his house; Also marveling at her courage, we cry out to her:
Rejoice, chosen bride of Christ; Rejoice, zealous keeper of the commandments of Christ. Rejoice, having fulfilled this not only in word, but also in deed; Rejoice, you are ready to lay down your soul for your friends. Rejoice, you who accepted much bitterness for Christ; Rejoice, having become like strong adamant with your patience.
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 4

Your wicked tormentor husband raised a storm of his rage against you, as a captive and a slave, imputed to you, Saint Anastasia; We, remembering the bitterness from him and your suffering, sing to the Lord who strengthened you: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Blessed Anastasia heard how much her holy teacher Chrysogon had endured for Christ, and she followed him with her suffering and secretly wrote to his face: “Teacher! We, marveling at your patience, say to you:
Rejoice, you who did not spare your honest flesh; Rejoice, you who threw yourself at the feet of Christ day and night. Rejoice, you who wished to squander your wealth of God for the sake of the poor; Rejoice, I will buy wisely. Rejoice, you who alone have care for those suffering in chains; Rejoice, you who entered the Heavenly Palace without restraint.
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 5

Like a godly star, you appeared in the Roman land, to the Great Martyr Anastasia, visiting those suffering for Christ in prison and strengthening their hearts in faith, so that they may ever cry with you to the Savior of all, God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing you, your God-bearing teacher Chrysogonus, in the confusion and excitement of this world, I commanded you to cry out to you with the prophet: “In all things art thou art, my soul, and in all things that have troubled me, trust in God”; We, remembering your grief and sadness even for God, call you:
Rejoice, you who have placed all your trust in the Lord; Rejoice, you who endured the cramped conditions of the Kingdom for the sake of the Heavenly One. Rejoice, through your purity you have been deemed worthy to live in heaven with the angels; Rejoice, having drawn closer to God through your sorrows. Rejoice, through your prayers you deliver us from many sorrows; Rejoice, through your intercession you free us from temptations.
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 6

The whole Christian world preaches your honest deeds, Great Martyr Anastasia, and glorifies your suffering, pleases your martyrdom and sings to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You shone more than the sun with your virtues in the great city of Rome, when the prophecy of your teacher Saint Chrysogon about the death of your godless husband was fulfilled. For being free, you began to care for the martyrs of Christ with great zeal; We, looking with love at your deeds, say to you:
Rejoice, zealous helper of the suffering; Rejoice, you who consoled the friends of Christ with divine words. Rejoice, who had great care for three virgins: Agapia, Chionia and Irina; Rejoice, you who strengthened those for the feat of martyrdom. Rejoice, you who had sorrow in your mind; Rejoice, you who have made your heart the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, completely aflame with the fire of love for God; Rejoice, you who have found His heavenly cover in the shelter. Rejoice, thou who through thy courage has completely overthrown the enemy of salvation;
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 7

The desire of Saint Chrysogon to die for Christ was fulfilled by God's Providence: when you saw the honorable relics of your teacher, the passion-bearer, lovingly kissing them, you burst into tears, from the depths of your soul singing a song to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

New grace and strength were given to you by our Lord, when you accepted the feat of moving from city to city, visiting those in chains. We, following your journey, tenderly cry out to you:
Rejoice, follower of the footsteps of Christ; Rejoice, servant of many saints. Rejoice, you who were ignorant of Christ’s purity; Rejoice, glorified great martyr. Rejoice, named pattern maker; Rejoice, thou who with thy gold buys freedom for the faithful from the bonds of prison. Rejoice, through your prayers you free us from the bonds of sin; Rejoice, you who send down healing to the sick. Rejoice, raising up the half-dead by God’s command;
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 8

Your journey with the holy martyr Theodotia has weakened many: healing has been granted to the sick, burial has been prepared for many who have died, and strengthening to the living for greater deeds of virtue; Vouchsafe us unworthy, holy one, to sing intelligently to God with your prayers: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

The entire temple of the prison was filled with many tears and sobs of yours, having always flown into the nude early according to your custom and having found not a single one from the prisoner who had been imprisoned for the name of Christ, all of them were put to death one night by the command of the evil king; We, remembering your sorrow for the friends of God, cry out like this:
Rejoice, you who diligently searched for the servants of Christ in prison; Rejoice, having once again found those in the Heavenly Villages. Rejoice, you who took up the cross of the Lord with love on your frame; Rejoice, thou who havest been granted to see everywhere with intelligent eyes the eyes of the Lord Almighty. Rejoice, for your love for your neighbors you have gained great boldness towards God;
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 9

I created wicked tormenting advice against you, the invincible passion-bearer, wanting to incline you to idolatry; You fearlessly called out to them: “I am the Servant of Christ, and I sing to Him day and night: Alleluia.”

Ikos 9

The chief priest of the idolatry is with you, although he might catch your holy soul with flattery; But you, having learned all the cunning of the enemy, put the tormentor to shame and changed all evil into good, looking fearlessly at the instruments of torment and all the torment; We, marveling at your courage, call your voices tender:
Rejoice, you who voluntarily left the whole red world of this world; Rejoice, you who wished to accept various torments for Christ. Rejoice, you who wished to go to death with love; Rejoice, you who astonished your tormentors with your patience. Rejoice, having adorned the Church of Christ with your sufferings; Rejoice, demons who have straightened your leg.
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 10

Make it possible for all those who want to be saved through your prayers, great martyr, before the Lord and ask for remission of the sins of those who honor your suffering, so that we cry with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Saint Anastasia loved the Heavenly King with all her heart and was quickly thrown into prison for the Sweetest Jesus, having been consumed by hunger and thirst and strengthened by prayer; Likewise, glorifying that honest suffering, we send to her the following singing:
Rejoice, follower of the passion of Christ; Rejoice, adorned with victorious glory. Rejoice, praise and magnification to pious women; Rejoice, having ascended through earthly prison into the Heavenly Palace. Rejoice, thou who art settled there with the martyrs; Rejoice, you who remember us through your prayer at the Throne of God. Rejoice, thou who quickly destroyeth the bonds of sin; Rejoice, you who drive away demons from people.
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 11

We offer you an all-contrite song, glorifying your suffering for Christ, and we pray to you: holy passion-bearer, ask the merciful Lord for health, long life, and victory and victory over your enemies. Grant to us, who praise your torment, peace and salvation, so that we may sing to God forever: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With a bright and joyful face you followed the suffering prepared for you from your tormentors, as we call with joy as we think:
Rejoice, having been delivered from drowning in the sea by God’s vision; Rejoice, extended tormentor to the four pillars and thereby becoming like the Son of God crucified on the Cross. Rejoice, burning with fire even to death; Rejoice, endless treasury of healings. Rejoice, abundant cup of God's gifts; Rejoice, all good wishes are speedy to the fulfiller. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 12

Grant grace from above to all of us, flowing with love to the race of your relics, and ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and healing for the sick and suffering, and let us all cry out in gratitude to God, wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing the feats of your free martyrdom for Christ, we bow to your suffering, venerable great martyr, we honor your holy death and pray to you, extend your help from heaven to us, who live in the darkness of passions and temptations and cry out to you:
Rejoice, holy great martyr, who offered her body as an acceptable sacrifice to God in many different torments; Rejoice, turtledove, who flew up to Jerusalem on High. Rejoice, pure and immaculate bride of Christ; Rejoice, spiritual censer, bringing incense of prayer for us to God. Rejoice, for those who honor your memory and your sufferings have a mirror of a life pleasing to God; Rejoice, you who quickly heal illnesses of soul and body. Rejoice, bright way of life for all who hope to achieve a Christian death;
Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 13

O long-suffering and wonderful, holy Great Martyr Anastasia! Accept our present little prayer from your unworthy servants, offered to you with love, and ask Christ the God of our sinful bonds for permission, so that through your prayers we may be delivered from the wrath of God and eternal condemnation, and may we be worthy in the Kingdom of Heaven, together with you, to sing to God forever: Alleluia .

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia

O long-suffering and wise great martyr of Christ Anastasia! With your soul you stand in heaven at the throne of the Lord, and on earth, by the grace given to you, you perform various healings. Look mercifully at the people who are coming and praying before your relics, asking for your help: extend your holy prayers to the Lord for us, and ask us for forgiveness of our sins, healing for the sick, quick help for the grieving and needy; pray to the Lord to give us all a Christian death and a good answer at His Last Judgment, so that together with you we may be worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

To the chosen saint of Christ, the all-blessed. We offer songs of praise to the Great Martyr Anastasia, as she has great boldness in the Lord to free the faithful from all troubles, sorrows and illnesses, and with love we cry out to her: Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

You have become like an angel with a pure mind, having cognized Him who is the eternal beginning and one end of all the visible and invisible desires of all the pious; We, praising your wise teaching from the holy martyr Chrysogonus, cry out to you with love: Rejoice, thou who loved the faith of Christ; Rejoice, thou who followed the piety of thy mother Fausta. Rejoice, having preserved the purity of your virginity; Rejoice, always invisibly guarded by Angels. Rejoice, having drawn closer to God through your purity; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Seeing Saint Anastasia, how many Christians are suffering in prison for the Name and teaching of Jesus Christ, I began to serve them with zeal, and I help God to console and heal, singing with reverence: Alleluia.

The god-wise Anastasia understood that the whole red world of this world is involved in corruption, and for this reason, having despised bright clothes and valuable utensils, secretly putting on the clothes of the poor, entering into prisons to serve as a confessor of Christ; We mentally follow her, calling out to her with love: Rejoice, imitator of Christ; Rejoice, visitor to prisoners in prison. Rejoice, consoler of Christ's confessors; Rejoice, you who squandered your gold and silver on them. Rejoice, you who have acquired the Kingdom of Heaven by them; Rejoice, you who washed the hands and noses of the saints and cleansed their hair. Rejoice, you who healed their ailments and buried their bodies honestly; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Strengthened by strength from above, holy martyr, serve piously the saints and disgrace the hater of all virtues, the devil, who allowed a slave to slander before her unfaithful husband; We, praising your goodness, Anastasia, sing with you: Alleluia.

Having great love in the Lord for all those who suffer in prison for the Name of Christ, for the sake of which you suffered many blows from an unfaithful husband, you finally found a prison for yourself in his house; Also marveling at her courage, we cry out to her: Rejoice, chosen bride of Christ; Rejoice, zealous guardian of the commandments of Christ. Rejoice, having fulfilled this not only in word, but also in deed; Rejoice, you are ready to lay down your soul for your friends. Rejoice, you who accepted much bitterness for Christ; Rejoice, having become like strong adamant with your patience. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Blessed Anastasia heard how much her holy teacher Chrysogon had endured for Christ, and she followed him with her suffering and secretly wrote to him: “Teacher! I’m about to die and there’s nothing else left, but having given up the ghost, I’ll drop dead.” We, marveling at your patience, say to our mother: Rejoice, you who did not spare your honest flesh; Rejoice, you who threw yourself at the feet of Christ day and night. Rejoice, you who wished to squander your wealth of God for the sake of the poor; Rejoice, you who act wisely will buy. Rejoice, you who alone have care for those suffering in chains; Rejoice, you who entered the Heavenly Palace without restraint. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Seeing you, your God-bearing teacher Chrysogonus, in the confusion and excitement of this world, I commanded you to cry out to you with the prophet: “In all things art thou art, my soul, and in all things that have troubled me, trust in God”; We, remembering your grief and sadness even for God, call you: Rejoice, having placed all your trust in the Lord; Rejoice, you who endured the cramped conditions of the Kingdom for the sake of the Heavenly One. Rejoice, through your purity you have been deemed worthy to live in heaven with the angels; Rejoice, having drawn closer to God through your sorrows. Rejoice, through your prayers you deliver us from many sorrows; Rejoice, through your intercession you free us from temptations. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

The whole Christian world preaches your honest deeds, Great Martyr Anastasia, and glorifies your suffering, pleases your martyrdom and sings to God: Alleluia.

You shone more than the sun with your virtues in the great city of Rome, when the prophecy of your teacher Saint Chrysogon about the death of your godless husband was fulfilled. For being free, you began to care for the martyrs of Christ with great zeal; We, looking with love at your deeds, say to you: Rejoice, zealous helper to the suffering; Rejoice, you who consoled the friends of Christ with divine words. Rejoice, who had great care for three virgins: Agapia, Hibnia and Irina; Rejoice, you who strengthened those for the feat of martyrdom. Rejoice, you who had sorrow in your mind; Rejoice, you who have made your heart the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, completely aflame with the fire of love for God; Rejoice, you who have found His heavenly cover in the shelter. Rejoice, thou who through thy courage has completely overthrown the enemy of salvation; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

New grace and strength were given to you by our Lord, when you accepted the feat of moving from city to city, visiting those in chains. We, following your journey, tenderly cry out to you: Rejoice, follower of the footsteps of Christ; Rejoice, servant of many saints. Rejoice, you who were ignorant of Christ’s purity; Rejoice, glorified great martyr. Rejoice, named pattern maker; Rejoice, thou who with thy gold buys freedom for the faithful from the bonds of prison. Rejoice, through your prayers you free us from the bonds of sin; Rejoice, you who send down healing to the sick. Rejoice, raising up the half-dead by God’s command; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

The entire temple of the prison was filled with many tears and sobs of yours, having always flown into the nude early according to your custom and having found not a single one from the prisoners who were imprisoned for the Name of Christ, all of them were put to death one night by the command of the evil king; We, remembering your sorrow for the friends of God, cry out like this: Rejoice, you who with zeal searched for the servants of Christ in prison; Rejoice, having once again found those in the Heavenly Villages. Rejoice, you who took up the cross of the Lord with love on your frame; Rejoice, thou who hast been worthy to see everywhere with intelligent eyes the eyes of the Lord Almighty. Rejoice, for your love for your neighbors you have gained great boldness towards God; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

The chief priest of the idolatry is with you, although he might catch your holy soul with flattery; But you, having learned all the cunning of the enemy, put the tormentor to shame and changed all evil into good, looking fearlessly at the instruments of torment and all the torment; We, marveling at your courage, call your voices tender: Rejoice, you who voluntarily left all the red of this world; Rejoice, you who wished to accept various torments for Christ. Rejoice, you who wished to go to death with love; Rejoice, you who astonished your tormentors with your patience. Rejoice, having adorned the Church of Christ with your sufferings; Rejoice, demons who have straightened your legs. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Saint Anastasia loved the Heavenly King with all her heart and was quickly thrown into prison for the Sweetest Jesus, having been consumed by hunger and thirst and strengthened by prayer; In the same way, glorifying that honest suffering, we send to her the following song: Rejoice, follower of the passion of Christ; Rejoice, thou adorned with victorious glory. Rejoice, praise and magnification to pious women; Rejoice, having ascended through earthly prison into the Heavenly Palace. Rejoice, thou who art settled there with the martyrs; Rejoice, you who remember us through your prayer at the Throne of God. Rejoice, thou who quickly destroyeth the bonds of sin; Rejoice, you who drive away demons from people. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

With a bright and joyful face you followed the suffering prepared for you from your tormentors, as we call with joy: Rejoice, you who were delivered from drowning in the sea by God’s vision; Rejoice, extended tormentor to the four pillars and thereby becoming like the Son of God crucified on the Cross. Rejoice, burning with fire even to death; Rejoice, infinite treasury of healings. Rejoice, abundant cup of God's gifts; Rejoice, all good wishes are speedy to the fulfiller. Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Singing the feats of your free martyrdom for Christ, we bow to your suffering, venerable great martyr, we honor your holy death and pray to you, extend your help from heaven to us, who live in the darkness of passions and temptations and cry out to you: Rejoice, holy great martyr, who brought her body as a God-pleasing sacrifice in manifold torments; Rejoice, turtledove, who flew up to Jerusalem on High. Rejoice, pure and immaculate bride of Christ; Rejoice, spiritual censer, bringing incense of prayer for us to God. Rejoice, for those who honor your memory and your sufferings have a mirror of a life pleasing to God; Rejoice, you who quickly heal illnesses of soul and body. Rejoice, bright way of life for all who hope to achieve a Christian death; Rejoice, all-blessed great martyr Anastasia, holy visitor of prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Troparion, tone 4

On the occasion of the victorious Resurrection, you were named truly eminent, the martyr of Christ, you brought victory to your enemies through torments with patience, for the sake of Christ, your Bridegroom, whom you loved. Pray to him to save our souls.

Kontakion, tone 2

In the temptations and sorrows that exist, flowing to your temple, they receive honest gifts from the Divine grace living in you, Anastasia: for you always bring healing to the world.

Kontakion 1

Ikos 1

She loved the faith of Christ.

Followed the piety of your mother Fausta.

Preserving the purity of your virginity.

Always invisibly guarded by Angels.

Through your purity you have come closer to God.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 2

Saint Anastasia, seeing that many Christians were suffering in prison for the Name and teaching of Jesus Christ, began to serve them with zeal, and to console and heal, I cooperate with God, singing with reverence: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Imitator of Christ.

Visitor to prisoners in a dungeon.

Comforter of Christ's Confessors.

You squandered your gold and silver on them.

By those who acquired the Kingdom of Heaven.

She washed the hands and noses of the saints and cleansed their hair.

She healed their ailments and buried their bodies honestly.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 3

Strengthened by power from above, holy martyr, serve piously to the saints and disgrace the hater of all virtues, the devil, who instigated a slave to slander her before her unfaithful husband; We, praising your goodness, Anastasia, sing with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having great love in the Lord for all those who suffer in prison for the Name of Christ, even though they suffered many blows from an unfaithful husband, you finally found a prison for yourself in his house; Also marveling at her courage, we cry out to her:

The chosen bride of Christ.

A zealous keeper of the commandments of Christ.

Not just in word, but also in deed who fulfilled this.

You are ready to lay down your soul for your friends.

She accepted much bitterness for Christ.

With her patience she became like a strong adamant.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 4

Ikos 4

Blessed Anastasia heard how much her holy teacher Chrysogon had endured for Christ, and she followed him with her suffering and secretly wrote to him: “Teacher! I want to die, and there is nothing else left, but, having given up the ghost, I fall dead.” We, marveling at your patience, say to you:

Honest, who did not spare her flesh.

Day and night she threw herself at the feet of Christ.

Who wanted to squander your wealth for God for the sake of the poor.

I will buy wisely.

She alone has care for those suffering in bondage.

Unrestrictedly entered into the palace of heaven.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 5

As if you were a godly star, you appeared in the Roman land, Great Martyr Anastasia, visiting those suffering for Christ in prison and strengthening their hearts in faith, so that they may ever cry with you to the Savior of all, God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing you, your God-bearing teacher Chrysogon, in the confusion and excitement of this world, I commanded you to cry out to you with the prophet: “Why are you sorrowful, my soul, and why are you troubling me? Trust in God"; We, remembering your grief and sadness even for God, call you:

Having placed all your trust in the Lord.

Endured the cramped conditions of the Kingdom for the sake of Heaven.

Through your purity you have been honored with the Angels to live in heaven.

Through your sorrows you have drawn closer to God.

Through your prayers you deliver us from many sorrows.

Through your intercession, freeing from temptations.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 6

The whole Christian world preaches your honest deeds, Great Martyr Anastasia, and glorifies your suffering, pleases your martyrdom and sings to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

A diligent helper to the suffering.

She consoled the friends of Christ with divine words.

She had great care for three virgins: Agapia, Chionia and Irina.

Strengthened those for the feat of martyrdom.

Your mind has grief;

Having made your heart the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Completely kindled with the fire of love for God;

She found His heavenly cover in the shelter.

By your courage you have completely overthrown the enemy of salvation.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 7

The desire of Saint Chrysogonus to die for Christ, being fulfilled by God's Providence; When you saw the honorable relics of your teacher, the passion-bearer, lovingly kissing them, you burst into tears, from the depths of your soul singing to God a song: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

New grace and strength were given to you by our Lord, when you accepted the feat of moving from city to city, visiting those in chains. We, following your journey, tenderly cry out to you:

Follower of the footsteps of Christ.

Servant of many saints.

Christ was ignorant of purity.

Glorified Great Martyr.

Named a pattern maker.

With your gold you buy freedom for the faithful from the bonds of prison.

Through your prayers you free us from the bonds of sin.

Healing the sick is down-sending.

Raising the half-dead by God's command.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 8

Your journey with the holy martyr Theodotia has weakened many: healing has been granted to the sick, burial has been prepared for many who have died, and strengthening to the living for greater deeds of virtue; But grant us, the unworthy, holy one, to sing intelligently to God with your prayers: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

The whole temple of the prison was filled with many tears and sobs of yours, having always flown into the nude early according to your custom, and having not received a single one from the prisoner who had been imprisoned for the name of Christ, all of them were put to death one night by the command of the evil king; We, remembering your sorrow for the friends of God, cry out like this:

She searched with zeal for the servants of Christ in prison.

Paki found those in the heavenly villages.

Taking up the cross of the Lord with love on her frame.

Being worthy to see everywhere with intelligent eyes the eyes of the Lord Almighty.

For your love for your neighbors, you have acquired great boldness towards God.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 9

Ikos 9

Voluntarily leaving the whole world of this red.

Desired to accept various torments for Christ.

Desiring to go to death with love.

And you surprised your tormentors with your patience.

With your suffering you have adorned the Church of Christ.

Demons have corrected your legs.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 10

Ikos 10

Follower of the passion of Christ.

Adorned with victorious glory.

Godly women are praised and magnified.

Having ascended through an earthly prison into a heavenly palace.

There with the martyrs settled.

By your prayer at the Throne of God, remembering us.

The bonds of sin are quickly destroyed.

Drives away demons from people.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 11

We offer you an all-contrite song, glorifying your suffering for Christ, and we pray to you: holy passion-bearer, ask the Merciful Lord for health, long life, and victory and victory over your enemies. Grant to us, who praise your torment, peace and salvation, so that we may sing to God forever: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With a bright and joyful face you followed the suffering prepared for you from your tormentors, as we call with joy as we think:

Delivered from drowning in the sea by God's vision.

Extended tormentors to the four pillars and thereby becoming like the Son of God crucified on the Cross.

Burnt by fire even to death.

The treasury of healings is endless.

The cup of God's gifts is abundant.

All good wishes to the performer.

All-Blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor to prisoners and prayer book for our souls.

Kontakion 12

Send grace from above to all of us, flowing with love to the race of your relics, and ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and healing for the sick and suffering, and let us all cry out in gratitude to God, wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing the feats of your free martyrdom for Christ, we bow to your suffering, venerable great martyr, we honor your holy death and pray to you: extend your help from heaven to us, who live in the darkness of passions and temptations and cry out to you:

Kontakion 13

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Prayer

O long-suffering and wise great martyr of Christ Anastasia! With your soul you stand in heaven at the Throne of the Lord, and on earth, by the grace given to you, you perform various healings. Look mercifully at the people ahead and those praying before your icon (with your relics), asking for your help, extend your holy prayers to the Lord for us and ask us for forgiveness of our sins, healing for the sick, quick help for the grieving and needy; pray to the Lord to give us all a Christian death and a good answer at His Last Judgment, so that together with you we may be worthy to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

The Akathist to the Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker is considered one of the liturgical texts that most strongly promotes correct repentant prayer, performed with reverence and gratitude to God and the heavenly intercessor, Anastasia. This article will reveal the meaning of the term “akathist”. The article also contains a brief retelling of the life of Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker.

Akathist

First, a few words about what a special genre of Orthodox chants is. Translated from Greek, its name is translated as “not sitting,” that is, these works are usually performed standing. As a rule, it is dedicated to the Savior, the Virgin Mary or some saint glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church. For example, an akathist to the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker. The texts of the akathists are laudatory in nature and, unlike the more ancient similar genre, kontakion, they contain a number of exclamations beginning with the word “Rejoice.” These phrases are called “hairetisms.”

For a long time, there was only one church hymn written in this genre - the akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos. Later, other works appeared, written on the principle of imitating the original model. Thus, the chant dedicated to the Most Pure Virgin determined the structure of all subsequent works of this genre, including the text of the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker.

The rise of the genre

In the Russian Orthodox tradition, this type of chant became most widespread quite late. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the number of akathists began to increase year by year. Thus, by the beginning of the twentieth century, a special church council that censored church literature approved about one hundred and fifty hymns written by Russian authors. Almost twice as many akathists were not accepted by the censor due to their inconsistency in content or structure.

Even more chants of this genre were created after the October Revolution, during the years of brutal persecution of the Orthodox Church, when many churches were destroyed and part of the clergy was subjected to brutal repression. Then, due to the prevailing circumstances, many people were forced to hide their religious views. People's need for joint prayer was often satisfied at home services. Then akathists came to the aid of believers, among whom one of the most popular was the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker, protecting them from trial and prison. This genre turned out to be in demand at that difficult time for the Russian Orthodox Church for the reason that worship with the performance of an akathist does not require the presence of clergy. It is not even necessary to have deep knowledge of the canonical structure of worship.

A truly folk type of chant

Due to the comparative simplicity of the language of the akathists (they are usually written in a version of Church Slavonic adapted to the modern Russian language) and the small volume of such works, they very quickly began to spread among the people by word of mouth. Many collections of akathists also appeared, printed in amateur underground printing houses. The Akathist of Anastasia the Pattern Maker has always been an indispensable part of the content of such publications.

The post-revolutionary time brought with it one advantage for the creators of works of this genre. Now the texts did not have to undergo strict censorship. Thus, a vast field opened up for the activities of authors of spiritual poetry.

The genre received its rebirth in the last decade of the twentieth century. After perestroika, when the publishing of spiritual literature came out of hiding, many new authors appeared who became interested in the akathist genre. According to some experts in the field of spiritual literature, currently about fifty new akathists are created annually in the Church Slavonic language. On the World Wide Web there are sites that specialize in publishing works of this genre. Among the adherents of these spiritual poems are such writers as Evgeny Khrapovitsky and Alexander Trofimov. In addition to samples written in Church Slavonic, there are a significant number of texts written in other languages, including modern Russian. According to authoritative sources, currently the total number of akathists is approaching two thousand.

Life of Anastasia the Pattern Maker

The akathist dedicated to this saint rightfully takes its rightful place among the best examples of this type of spiritual chant. suffered torment in an area that was part of the Roman Empire, on the site of which modern Serbia is located.

Her years of life have not been established for certain. It is only known that she lived in the fourth century after the Nativity of Christ during the time of terrible persecution of Christians. In the traditions of different peoples, this great martyr is called differently, according to the pronunciation norms of a particular language. In Greece. For example, it is customary to call her Agiya or Aya, and in the west the nickname Sirmian is added to her name, after the name of the city of Sirmium, where she suffered martyrdom.

Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker was born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Her father was a statesman. He adhered to the official religion of Rome at that time - he worshiped the pantheon of gods of Olympus. Anastasia’s mother secretly professed Christianity from everyone. In the traditions of her faith, she decided to raise her daughter, Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker, in which Saint Chrysogon helped her, who became a wise and understanding mentor for her daughter. When the mother died, the father decided to marry his daughter to a noble and wealthy Roman. Anastasia resisted this marriage with all her might, but fate was decided against her will.

Care of prisoners

Christianity in that era was persecuted by the Roman authorities. Adherents of the new religion were brutally tortured in prison. One of the most popular spectacles among all classes of Roman citizens was the feeding of Christians to lions. Thousands of people gathered to watch this terrible execution.

But even in such a threatening era for Christians, Anastasia showed concern for her brothers and sisters in faith. She visited them in prison, bringing them food and treating their illnesses.

Having learned about this, her husband severely beat Anastasia and put her under house arrest. Her teacher, Saint Chrysogonus, was also in prison with other Christians at that time. Therefore, Anastasia could communicate with her mentor only by correspondence. Even in conditions of imprisonment, Chrysogon found the strength not only not to lose faith in the Lord God and not to lose heart, but also to instill confidence and hope for a bright future in his student. Thanks to his example, Anastasia developed extraordinary fortitude of character, and her faith in the Lord strengthened many times over.

Liberation

After the death of Anastasia the Patternmaker's father, her husband, being an evil and selfish man, decided to appropriate for himself the rich inheritance left by his father. He began to starve his wife, mocking her in every possible way. Anastasia confessed to her teacher in letters that her existence was so joyless that death seemed to her the only way out of her unhappy situation. Chrysogon supported his student in every possible way, wrote to her that she should not give in to despondency, and reminded her that just as recovery comes after an illness, imprisonment usually does not last forever. It ends sooner or later with freedom.

One fine day, the saint wrote to Anastasia that her torment would not last long, since her husband would soon die. These prophetic words very soon came true. Anastasia's husband was appointed ambassador to Persia. Having set off on a long journey, he strictly ordered the servants, as before, to keep Anastasia locked up under the pretext that he wanted her to renounce her heretical views. On the way to his destination, he drowned during a storm.

Death of a teacher and three martyrs

Now Anastasia was free and could again visit Christian prisoners in prison and communicate with her teacher. She spent all her rich inheritance on providing the prisoners with everything they needed. She supplied them with clothes, food, and bought necessary medicines for the seriously ill. Anastasia herself bandaged their wounds, applied compresses, treated fractures and stopped bleeding after severe beatings. Soon her teacher was taken to another province of Italy, where his execution was to take place. Anastasia was so devoted to her mentor that she did not hesitate to follow him. After his martyrdom, the body of Saint Chrysogonus was taken and buried by one of his disciples.

After several days, the saint appeared to him in a dream and predicted the imminent execution of three more Christians - young girls.

Anastasia also saw a similar dream, in which the teacher asked her to take care of the martyrs in the last days of their lives. The pious Christian woman immediately went to prison, where she helped the sufferers not to succumb to despondency, but to spend the last moments of their earthly life in prayer. After the execution, the saint herself took care of the burial of the bodies.

Wanderings

After this, Saint Anastasia set off to wander around the world in order, wherever necessary, to provide all possible assistance to believers languishing in prison. For this reason, in the Orthodox tradition it is customary to read the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker in difficult moments of life. At that very time, she received the gift of healing from the Almighty. The saint also helped prisoners get rid of the bonds of fear, despondency, unbelief, and loneliness. Anastasia called on the prisoners to pray for their salvation and thank the Lord for his mercy. Therefore, in the Russian Orthodox tradition, this saint is called the Pattern Maker, and the reading of the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker protects from trial and prison. During her wanderings, Anastasia met Theodotia, who became her faithful assistant in her righteous labors. Both Christian women supported other Christians in trouble in word and deed.

Interrogation by the Emperor

Soon the fame of her good deeds spread throughout the Roman Empire and reached the emperor himself. The ruler also learned that the daughter of a noble Roman adheres to a religion that is strictly prohibited in the empire. At his command, the Christian woman was captured. After some time, he himself decided to interrogate Anastasia. During interrogation, she admitted that she had spent all the inheritance she received from her father, who was a senator, to help Christians who were in prison. She sold figurines made of precious metals, which were passed down from generation to generation in their family, and used the money to buy food for those in need.

The ruler of a powerful empire invited Anastasia to determine her own future destiny. Rich gifts were placed on her left hand, and terrible instruments of torture were placed on her right. Anastasia pointed to the right side, saying that thanks to these items she would become more pleasing to the Lord. Before the execution, the emperor decided to commit violence against her, but as soon as he approached her, he immediately became blind and soon died in unbearable torment.

Rescue from execution

Thus, Saint Anastasia regained her freedom and, together with her faithful comrade-in-arms Theodotia, continued to pursue her life’s work - helping Christian martyrs.

Therefore, it is believed that the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern-maker saves her from the judgment of the unjust. Soon Theodotia was executed, and along with her two sons, who were also deeply religious Christians. Anastasia herself was again put in prison, condemned to a quick execution. Throughout her imprisonment, the holy martyr Theodotia appeared to her every night and with her parting speeches helped Anastasia survive the hardships of imprisonment and overcome fear.

When the day of execution arrived, Anastasia, along with many other Christian prisoners, was put on board a huge ship. When the ship found itself in the open sea far from the shore, the guards punched several large holes in the side of the ship and, confident that the ship and all its passengers were doomed to inevitable death, boarded a boat and swam to the shore. They had not even sailed a few miles when they saw that the ship had miraculously changed its course and was sailing towards land. When the ship leveled with their boat, the guards saw a woman standing at the helm, steering the ship towards the shore. It was Saint Theodotia. So, thanks to her faith in the Lord and righteous life, Anastasia once again escaped death. That is why the prayer to Anastasia the Pattern Maker for liberation is so popular among Orthodox Christians.

Martyrdom

Having learned about what had happened, the new emperor came up with a different punishment for Anastasia. The new execution was much more terrible than the previous one. He ordered Anastasia to be crucified over a fire between four pillars. The saint accepted her fate with dignity, spending the last hours of her earthly life in prayer.

Veneration of a saint in Orthodoxy

How does Saint Anastasia the Pattern Maker help? It is known that any saint can be approached with any request, as long as the prayer is sincere. However, sometimes certain saints are associated with specific benefits.

In the Orthodox tradition, it is customary to read an akathist to the Great Martyr Anastasia the Pattern Maker for protection from illegal punishment, with the hope of a speedy release from prison. Also among the Slavic peoples, Saint Anastasia is considered an assistant during childbirth, a liberator from the bonds of pregnancy. It is believed that since the baby is connected to the mother’s body by the umbilical cord, he is in a kind of imprisonment in which both the mother and the child suffer. A successful birth frees both from suffering. Therefore, during childbirth in the old days, the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker was often read.

Also in the folk traditions of the Eastern Slavs, knots were given special symbolic meaning. Thus, many Slavic peoples believed that during pregnancy a woman should not tie knots, engage in needlework, or dress in outfits sewn using any knots. Currently, these superstitions are considered forgotten, but the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker is still read today by many Orthodox women expecting a child.

Saint's Remembrance Day

The Day of Anastasia the Pattern Maker is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on December 22. The saint is also revered in Western Christianity. In Catholic tradition, her memorial day coincides with Christmas.

In the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition, on the day of St. Anastasia, women were prohibited from engaging in any labor. Women were encouraged to read the akathist to St. Anastasia the Pattern Maker. In this country, the holy great martyr is called the Black Baba.

There are also many iconographic images of Anastasia. The icon of Anastasia the Pattern Maker is usually an image of a woman holding a vessel with healing oil in her hand. This vessel is a symbol of the fact that the saint possessed the divine gift of healing during her lifetime.

Reading the text of the akathist to Anastasia the Pattern Maker in front of the icon can be a good addition to prayers for the recovery of seriously ill people.

A century after her martyrdom, the holy relics of the saint were transferred from Sirmium to the capital of Byzantium. In the ninth century, part of the relics was donated to the Serbian archbishop and transferred to the Serbian city of Zadar. The head of the saint was for a long time in a temple on the Chalkidiki peninsula, near the city of Thessaloniki.

It is worth remembering that, according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, any prayer should be read with attention, reverence and repentance. We should not forget that thoughtless reading of religious texts not only does not bring any benefit to the person praying, but can even be harmful. This also applies to church rites and sacraments. For example, the Apostle Paul said that Christians who approach Communion without faith often “get sick and die” from this.