Great martyr · 3rd–4th century
Anastasia Pharmakolytria
Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons
New Calendar December 22 Old Calendar January 4
Why they are a saint
The Church remembers Anastasia Pharmakolytria as Great martyr who visited Christian prisoners and was called Deliverer from Poisons (Pharmakolytria). She is asked by pharmacists and, in some places, against mental illness. The years given for this life are 3rd–4th century.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for pharmacists / poisons (Pharmakolytria), sometimes mental illness. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Anastasia Pharmakolytria, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with Anastasia of Rome; Anastasia the Patrician; Grand Duchess Anastasia.