March 10
Saint Anastasia the Patrician
Virgin, Hermitess
(Early 6th Century – Late 6th Century)
“Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.”
Saint Anastasia the Patrician’s dying words to Abba Daniel
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Anastasia’s actual birth date is unknown as well as the location of her birth. She lived in Constantinople and was descended from an aristocratic family. She was an image of virtue.
Courtier to Empress Theodora
She was a courtier and lady-in-waiting to the Byzantine empress Theodora. Emperor Justinian I, Theodora’s husband, found Anastasia attractive and pursued her. So, Theodora grew jealous of Anastasia.
Left to Start a Convent
However, Anastasia being virtuous and wanting to avoid any problems, sought to escape the unwanted attentions of Emperor Justinian. So, she left Constantinople for Alexandria, Egypt. At a place called Pempton, near Alexandria, Anastasia arrived and founded a monastery. Later, this monastery would be named after her. She lived with monastic discipline and wove cloth to support herself.
Here, from the bustle of Constantinople, Anastasia devoted herself entirely to God.
Pursued Again
In 548, following the death of Theodora, Emperor Justinian attempted to search for Anastasia. He wanted to marry her and get her to return to Constantinople.
Aware of the gravity of the situation knowing that Emperor Justinian was searching for her, Anastasia took decisive action. She journeyed to a remote skete in Scetis, in northern Egypt, looking for help from Abba Daniel, hegumen of the monastery at that time.
Hermitess Dressed as a Man
To safeguard Anastasia, Abba Daniel let her move into a laura or monastery cell 18 miles from Scetis in the desert. Here, Anastasia was dressed in a man’s monastic garb and called the eunuch Anastasius. Having settled her in one of the very remote caves, Abba Daniel gave her a Rule of prayer. She was ordered to never leave the cave and to receive no one. Only one monk knew of this place. His obedience was to bring a small portion of bread and a pitcher of water to the cave once a week, leaving it at the entrance. The nun Anastasia dwelt in seclusion for twenty-eight years. Everyone believed that it was the eunuch Anastasius who lived in the cave.
Her Death
Having learned of her approaching death, Anastasia wrote several words for Abba Daniel on a potsherd and placed it at the entrance to the cave. The disciple found an ostracon with the words “Bring the spades and come here.” Abba Daniel came quickly and brought everything necessary for her burial. He found the holy Anastasia still alive. He confessed and communed her with the Holy Mysteries. At Abba Daniel’s request, Anastasia blessed him and the monk accompanying him. With the words: “Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit,” Anastasia died in peace sometime in the late 6th century in an unknown location.
When the grave was prepared, Abba Daniel gave his disciple his outer garment and ordered him to dress the deceased “brother” in it. As he was putting on the rassa, the monk noticed that she was a woman. However, he did not dare to say anything. When they returned to the monastery after they buried Anastasia, the disciple asked Abba Daniel whether he knew the “brother” was a woman. Abba Daniel related to the young monk the life of Saint Anastasia. Later, Abba Daniel’s narrative was written down and received wide acclaim.
The relics of Saint Anastasia the Patrician were transferred to Constantinople in the year 1200, and put not far from the church of Hagia Sophia.
Anastasia has been adopted by some in the LGBTQ community as an example of a transgender saint. Whilst Anastasia has been transformed into an LGBT+ icon in light of her early cross-dressing as she should be, I do not believe that very much research has been carried out on entertaining the possibility of Anastasia’s personal sexuality.
Born: Early 6th Century at an unknown location
Died: Late 6th Century at an unknown location
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: March 10
Patron Saint: None
Reflection
Saint Anastasia the Patrician was a noblewoman of great influence in the Byzantine court. Yet, she chose to leave behind the comforts, honors, and wealth of imperial life to pursue holiness in solitude and prayer. Fleeing to the desert of Egypt, she chose a radically different path and embraced a life of penance, desiring only to grow closer to God.
Disguising herself as a monk to avoid being forced back into society, she fled to the desert of Egypt. She lived for decades in solitude, penance, prayer, and ascetic discipline. In the hiddenness of the desert, Anastasia discovered her true identity, not as a patrician woman of status, but as a soul completely loved by God.
Saint Anastasia’s life speaks especially to those who feel pressured to conform and to live according to roles that no longer align with God’s call. She teaches us that God meets us most deeply in silence.
What comforts or attachments in my life might God be asking me to let go of so that I can grow closer to Him in simplicity and trust?
Prayers
Saint Anastasia the Patrician,
You left behind wealth, honor, and earthly comforts to seek the face of God in solitude and prayer.
Teach us to value silence over praise, humility over position, and holiness over worldly success.
May we have the courage to let go of what distracts us, the strength to follow Christ with a pure heart, and the grace to live each day in quiet trust of God’s will.
Pray for us and guide us to the peace that comes from surrender.
Saint Anastasia the Patrician, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
A Dictionary Of Saintly Women, Volume 1 by Agnes B. C. Dunbar – St. Anastasia
Catholic Online – St. Anastasia the Patrician
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Anastasia the Patrician, Virgin, Martyr – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Orthodox Christianity Now and Then – Saint Anastasia the Patrician of Alexandria
Rev Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St. Anastasia Patricia, Virgin
Video Link
Saint Anastasia the Patrician – YouTube (Dominican Media Presents)