Saint Anastasia of Rome was orphaned at the age of three. She was raised in a monastery near Rome, where she became a monk. During the reign of Emperor Decius (249-251), Anastasia turned 21 years old. She was very beautiful, and many noble Romans asked for her hand in marriage, but Anastasia refused them all, preferring to remain the bride of Christ.
At that time, Emperor Decius launched a severe persecution against Christians. The pagans dragged Saint Anastasia out of the monastery and brought her to the governor of the city. They accused her of not only despising noble and rich suitors, but also worshipping the crucified Christ as God.
The military commander Prov ordered her to sacrifice to idols, but Anastasia refused to renounce Christ. Then she was subjected to severe tortures: her nails were pulled out of her fingers, then her arms and legs were cut off, then all her teeth were knocked out. The saint, bleeding profusely, became exhausted and asked for water. Someone Cyril, who was standing by her torment, took pity on her and gave her water to drink. The torture continued, and Saint Anastasia's tongue was cut out, with which she constantly praised God. The exhausted executioners finally beheaded her. Having decided that Cyril, who had given the martyr water to drink, was a secret Christian, the tormentors seized him and executed him as well.