Supplicatory Canon and Akathist to Saint Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions

Anastasia was from Rome. She was the daughter of Praepextatus and Fausta and was beautiful in appearance, virtuous and from a wealthy family. Her mother instructed her in the faith of Christ. After her mother's death, she was given in marriage to a pagan named Publius Patricius. He subjected his wife to beatings and would keep her slaved in the house. She endured these torments for a short time since Publius drowned early in their marriage. As a young widow, she never remarried and secretely dedicated her time to the poor, those in prisons and served their needs daily. She would wash their wounds and especially console them during their anguish. Through her intercessions and prayers, she healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, spells and other harmful substances. This is how she received the honour of Deliverer of Potions. Her deeds and miracles spread throughout the area and her fame brought about her arrest under Diocletian's persecutions. She was tortured and endured many torments and was eventually put to death by fire in the year 290.