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Anysia of Salonika

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Anysia of Thessalonica
The assault and murder of Saint Anysia by the soldier, from the Menologion of Basil II, 10th century
Martyr
Born284
Thessalonica, Macedonia, Roman Empire
Died304
Gate of Cassandra, Thessalonica, Macedonia, Roman Empire
Venerated inEastern Orthodox Church
Roman Catholic Church
CanonizedPre-Congregation
Major shrineBasilica of Saint Demetrios, Thessaloniki, Greece Greece
Feast30 December[1]
AttributesVeil, cross

Saint Anysia of Thessalonica (Greek: Άγία Άνυσία) was a Christian virgin and martyr of the 4th century. Anysia was born to a wealthy and pious Christian family in Thessalonica. She dedicated herself to vows of chastity and poverty, praying and helping the poor.

Background

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The legend of her martyrdom states that, in 304, a Roman soldier apprehended her as she was on her way to Mass. Discovering she was a Christian, he beat her, and intended to drag her to a pagan temple to sacrifice to Roman gods. When he tore off her veil (a reminder of her vow of chastity), she spat in his face, and he murdered her.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "St. Anysia at Thessalonica | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese".
  2. ^ Jones, Terry. "Anysia of Salonika". Patron Saints Index. Archived from the original on January 1, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2007.