The Nun Anthysa

Commemorated on July 27

The Nun Anthysa lived at Paphlygonian Mantinea in Asia Minor during the VIII Century. Early on having left behind the world, Saint Anthysa pursued asceticism in the mountains in complete solitude. Having taken monastic vows from the priestmonk Sisinias, she became hegumen at a monastery where 90 sisters had gathered. The Nun Anthysa suffered during the reign of the emperor Constantine Kopronymos, who demanded the saint renounce veneration of holy icons. For not obeying the orders of the emperor, the Nun Anthysa was subjected to torture. At the torture was present the spouse of the emperor, for whom the saint predicted the birth of a son and daughter. When the prediction of the martyress was fulfilled, they set her free to her own convent, where she died in extreme old age. The daughter born of the emperor's wife was named Anthysa. Having lived a life pleasing to God, she was accepted by the Lord into the rank of the Saints.