Commemorated on August 8th
In the heart of ancient Rome, during the reign of Emperor Antoninus in the 2nd century, a holy woman was born who would become a radiant example of Christian courage, compassion, and unwavering faith — Saint Paraskeva the Venerable Martyr.
Born to devout Christian parents, Agathon and Politia, who had long prayed for a child, their prayers were answered when they were blessed with a daughter. Since she was born on a Friday — Paraskevi in Greek — they named her Paraskeva, dedicating her to God from the moment of her birth.
A Childhood Rooted in Faith
From a young age, Saint Paraskeva was raised in the love of Christ. Her mother taught her the Christian faith diligently, and she became a devoted student of the Holy Scriptures. Spending much of her time in church, she immersed herself in prayer and the life of the Church, growing in wisdom and spiritual strength.
As she came of age, tragedy struck with the death of her parents. Rather than grieving in worldly sorrow, Paraskeva made a bold and holy choice: she sold all her earthly possessions and gave the proceeds to the poor. Embracing a monastic life, she became a nun and deepened her commitment to Christ with greater fervor, dedicating her days to prayer, fasting, and preaching the Gospel.
Fearless Preacher During a Time of Persecution
At the time, the Roman Empire was fiercely persecuting Christians. But Paraskeva, undeterred by fear or threat, openly preached the truth of Christ as the only true God. Her courage and wisdom quickly attracted the attention of both believers and enemies.
It was malicious Jews who first accused her of spreading a forbidden faith and brought her before Emperor Antoninus. Seeing her grace and wisdom, the emperor was intrigued by her. He offered her wealth, honor, and power if she would renounce Christ and worship the Roman gods. But Paraskeva stood firm, boldly proclaiming:
“May it never be that I should renounce Christ, my God! As the prophet Jeremiah says: ‘The gods who did not create heaven and earth shall perish from the earth.’”
Miracles in the Face of Torture
Furious, the emperor ordered that a red-hot iron helmet be placed on her head. But by the power of God, she remained unharmed — protected by divine grace. Astonished, many pagans who witnessed this miracle immediately converted to Christianity.
Still determined to break her, the emperor had a massive cauldron filled with boiling oil and tar, and Paraskeva was thrown in. Yet again, she stood untouched by the flames. Amazed, the emperor mockingly asked if the mixture was hot. With divine confidence, she splashed some of it in his face — and he was instantly blinded.
Realizing her power was not of this world, he cried out in pain:
“Have mercy on me, servant of the true God, and I will believe in your Christ!”
Saint Paraskeva prayed, and his sight was miraculously restored. Deeply moved, the emperor and all his guards were baptized and became Christians.
Victory Over a Serpent and More Trials
After leaving Rome, Paraskeva traveled from city to city, preaching the Gospel. In one city ruled by a pagan governor named Asclepius, she was arrested again for her faith. Asclepius, hoping to destroy her, threw her into a cave where a monstrous serpent lived and devoured criminals.
But Paraskeva, filled with the Holy Spirit, faced the beast without fear. She made the sign of the cross and said:
“Behold, creature of wrath, the judgment of God has come upon you!”
At her command, the serpent split in two and died. Witnessing this incredible miracle, Asclepius and many others converted to Christianity.
Final Trial and Glorious Martyrdom
Her journey continued until she arrived in another city ruled by the pagan prince Tarasius. Like others before him, he tried to force her to deny Christ. He ordered her to be thrown into a cauldron of boiling tar, oil, and lead — but God again sent His angel to protect her. She emerged unharmed.
Despite subjecting her to even more horrific tortures, her faith never wavered. Finally, in frustration and defeat, Tarasius ordered her beheading. Thus, Saint Paraskeva gave her pure soul to the Lord in a glorious martyrdom, earning a crown of eternal life.
Her holy relics were later transferred to Constantinople, where they became a source of healing and consolation for generations of faithful.
The Legacy of Saint Paraskeva
Saint Paraskeva is honored throughout the Orthodox Christian world as a powerful intercessor and a shining example of unshakable faith. Her life is a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit working through those who surrender all to Christ.
On August 8th, Orthodox Christians remember her courage, love, and miracles. Her story continues to inspire the faithful to remain strong in the face of adversity and to boldly proclaim the Gospel with both word and deed.