Martyrs Basilissa and Anastasia of Rome, disciples of Apostles Peter and Paul

Commemorated on April 15.

The Holy Women Martyrs Basilissa (Vasilissa) and Anastasia lived in Rome and were converted to Christianity by the holy Apostles Peter and Paul. They devoted themselves to the service of the Lord.

When the emperor Nero (54-68) persecuted Christians and gave them over to torture and execution, Saints Basilissa and Anastasia took the bodies of the holy martyrs and gave them reverent burial. Rumors of this reached Nero, so Saints Basilissa and Anastasia were locked up in prison. They subjected them to cruel tortures: they scourged them with whips, scraped their skin with hooks, and burned them with fire. The holy martyrs remained unyielding, however, and bravely confessed their faith in Christ the Savior. By Nero’s command, they were beheaded with the sword (+ ca. 68).

Troparion

As rational sheep of Christ, the Lamb and Shepherd, you suffered martyrdom,
and completing your course, you have preserved the Faith;
therefore, O Anastasίa and Basilίssa, worthy of praise,
we celebrate your holy memory today with joyous hearts, magnifying Christ.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “You have appeared...”)
We who celebrate the memory of Christ’s Virgin Martyrs Anastasίa and Basilίssa now pray with faith for their help,
that we may be delivered from every affliction, crying out:
“God, Who willed to glorify them, is with us.”