Martyr
Anastasius of Persia
Venerable Martyr Anastasius the Deacon of the Kiev Caves, near caves (12th C)
New Calendar January 22 Old Calendar February 4
Why they are a saint
The Venerable Martyr Anastasias the Persian was the son of a Persian sorcerer named Babo. As a pagan, he had the name Magundates and served in the armies of the Persian emperor Chosrœs II, who in a victorious war against the Greeks in 614 ravaged the city of Jerusalem and carried away to Persia the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord. Great miracles occurred from the Cross of the Lord, and the Persians were astonished.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Anastasius of Persia as a patron when they bear the name Anastasius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 22. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Anastasius of Persia, 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.