On Thursday, 29 October, the Orthodox Church honours the memory of St Anastasia the Roman, a venerable martyr. She lived in the 3rd century, grew up in a convent near Rome and died during a persecution of Christians.

Women named Anastasia celebrate their name day. In Greek, the name means "resurrection".

An orphan raised by a convent abbess

Anastasia lived near Rome. She was orphaned at just three. Sophia, the abbess of a convent outside the city, took her in. There, among the nuns, the girl grew up and learned the faith.

By about 20, Anastasia was known for her beauty, and she had no shortage of suitors. She turned them all down and decided to give her life to God. The Church calls her a venerable martyr because she lived as a nun and died as a martyr.

Arrest and torture under Emperor Decius

The quiet years ended when Emperor Decius began persecuting Christians. Anastasia was arrested and cruelly tortured.

A Christian named Cyril could not stand it and gave her water. That sip cost him his life, because the governor ordered him killed. Anastasia was then beheaded outside the city.

According to tradition, an angel told Sophia what had happened. She was too weak to do more than mourn the body, and two Christians buried it with honours.

Two saints with one name

The calendar has another saint of the same name, the Great Martyr Anastasia. Her day is 22 December. Today, however, the Church honours Anastasia the Roman.

What else is marked on 29 October

Today is also World Stroke Day. It is an international health day, and Bulgaria has no customs of its own linked to it. On the same date, the descendants of the Bessarabian and Tavrian Bulgarians mark Bessarabian Bulgarians' Day, which commemorates the consecration of the Holy Transfiguration memorial church in Bolhrad on 29 October 1838.

Happy name day to everyone named Anastasia!