The Nun Anthusa
Commemorated on April 12
The Nun Anthusa
was daughter of the Iconoclast emperor Constantine Copronymos (741-775) from
his first wife from among the Khazars. She and her brother, the future emperor
Leo the Khazar (775-780), were twins born on 25 January 750. The empress
suffered very much with their birth. Constantine Copronymos summoned from
prison the Hegumeness Anthusa (Comm. 27 July) and besought her prayers. The Nun
Anthusa foretold the birth of twins and their fate. The daughter, born with the
prediction of the Nun Anthusa, was named in her honour. When she grew up, the
emperor began to urge her to marry. But Saint Anthusa from the time of her
youth yearned for monasticism and would not agree to his suggestions. After the
death of her father, she used all her personal property for the aid of the poor
and the orphaned. The pious empress Irene (780‑802), spouse of Leo the
Khazar, regarded Saint Anthusa with love and esteem and invited her to be a
co-regent. But Saint Anthusa did not wish for worldly honours. Being at court,
she put on clothes corresponding to her position as an imperial daughter, but
beneathe it she wore an hair-shirt.
Saint Anthusa took
monastic vows from the holy Patriarch Tarasios (784-806). She founded at
Constantinople the Omonea monastery, known for its strict rule (ustav). The Nun
Anthusa was herself an example of humility – she herself did hard work, she
cleaned the church and carried water; during mealtime she never sat at table
but instead served the sisters. She kept strict watch, that no one left the
monastery without especial need. The humble and gentle ascetic lived to age 52,
and died peacefully in the year 801.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.