Paraskevi of Rome

Saint Paraskevi of Rome (also Parasceva) is venerated as a Christian martyr of the 2nd century. She was arrested on multiple occasions for her Christianity and was eventually beheaded by the Roman governor Tarasius.

She is invoked for the healing of ailments of the eyes. The Church commemorates her on July 26.

The double of saint Saint Venera (Parasceve) who also is celebrated July 26. Life

Early life Paraskevi was born in a village near Rome, likely during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117–138 AD). Her parents, Agathon and Politia, were Christians of Greek origin, At the age of 30, Paraskevi left Rome and ministered to many towns and villages.

Persecution In the village of Therapia, Constantinople, she was arrested by soldiers of Emperor Antoninus Pius, and brought to trial. The charge was blasphemy and her words were the cause of all the ills that had recently befallen the empire. Antoninus Pius attempted to convince Paraskevi to denounce her faith, and even offered to marry her. Paraskevi refused, and was beaten and tortured by having a steel helmet lined with nails placed on her head and tightened with a vice. No pain seemed to affect her, and her endurance caused many to convert to Christianity. Eventually, at his wit's end, Antoninus Pius demanded that Paraskevi be immersed into a large kettle of oil and tar. However, she emerged from even this unscathed. When she was accused of using magic, Paraskevi responded by throwing the liquid into the Emperor's face. He was blinded and desperately asked for her help. Antoninus Pius regained his sight. This miracle moved him to convert to Christianity and set Paraskevi free. Paraskevi was arrested again in a city governed by a man named Asclepius, who threw her into a pit with a large snake. Paraskevi, however, made a Sign of the Cross and the snake fell dead. Just like with Antoninus Pius, Paraskevi's miracle converted Asclepius to Christianity, and he released Paraskevi. Saint Paraskevi is the most prominent among female healing saints, and she is widely venerated as the healer of the blind. For this reason, she is often depicted with two eyeballs in her hands.

Saint Paraskevi is commemorated on July 26 by the Church.

Scripture readings At the Divine Liturgy: Galatians 3:23–4:5; Mark 5:24–34. First Tone

Appropriate to your calling, O Champion Paraskevi, you worshipped with the readiness your name bears. For an abode you obtained faith, which is your namesake. Wherefore, you pour forth healing and intercede for our souls. Thus, they were originally very extended and featured many stanzas–being so long that the text had to be wrapped around a pole for use in the service. This explains the origin of the name kontakion, derived from the Greek κόνταξ (kontax), which means 'rod' or 'stick' and refers specifically to the pole around which a scroll is wound. In modern practice, the kontakion is greatly abbreviated.Plagal of the Fourth Tone

O most majestic One, we have discovered your temple to be a spiritual clinic wherein all the faithful resoundingly honor you, O famed and venerable martyr Paraskevi.

Legends "According to the tradition of the people of Epirus, Paraskevi was not martyred in Rome as mentioned in her traditional hagiography, but in Thesprotia where the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi of Pounta stands today. According to this tradition, strongly held by the locals, the headless body of the saint was entombed here and her tomb is still venerated today.

It is said that the persecutors of St. Paraskevi dragged her to the edge of the river Acheron to behead her. As the sword was raised over her head, she grabbed a stone pillar that she held so tightly that the print of her hands melted into it leaving an indelible mark. A church was eventually erected here by the faithful in her honor and housed her holy relics. Her skull was eventually placed in the walls of the church, though today it is kept in Moni Petraki in Athens."Pilgrims would cut off portions of the stone pillar that Paraskevi held onto as a talisman, to the point that in 1960 the size of the stone was half its original size.

It is said in Orthodox tradition that St. Paraskevi's miracles endure beyond her death. At her tomb, the blind have regained sight, barren women have become pregnant, and the lame have walked. The dirt of her grave is said to hold great power.