Church celebrations honoring Saint Anastasius of Strumica, also known as Spaso of Radovish, were held in the North Macedonian town of Radovish on August 20–21.

The observances included festive services, a procession carrying the saint’s icon, and a prayer service at the chapel dedicated to him, according to the website of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

On the eve of the feast, Metropolitan Hilarion of Bregalnica celebrated Vespers at the Church of the Holy Trinity. After the service, worshippers joined a procession to Saint Anastasius’ chapel on the town’s central square. The following day, the metropolitan presided over the Divine Liturgy.

Anastasius of Strumica was an 18th-century Orthodox neomartyr who was born in Radovish around 1774. At the age of 20, he traveled to Thessaloniki, then under Ottoman rule, where he learned the trade of gunsmithing.

According to his hagiography, the young Christian once had to wear Turkish clothing in order to transport goods belonging to his master through customs. Customs officials later demanded that he confirm his adherence to Islam.

Anastasius refused. He was reportedly pressured to convert, first through promises and gifts and later through torture and imprisonment.

The young man was eventually sentenced to death by hanging. He died on the way to the execution site in 1794 from injuries sustained during his torture. His life was recorded soon afterward by Saint Nikodemus of Mount Athos.

In Orthodox tradition, the saint is known as Anastasius of Strumica or Anastasius of Radovish, the latter name referring to his birthplace. His feast is observed on different dates in various church calendars. According to the Julian calendar, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates him on August 29, while the Greek Orthodox Church observes his feast on August 8.