The Holy Great-martyr Parasceva of Iconium (3rd c.)

She was born in the city of Iconium of wealthy and Christ-loving parents. After the death of her parents, the maiden Parasceva began to distribute her possessions to the poor and the less fortunate, all in the name of Christ the Lord. When a persecution began under Diocletian, Parasceva was brought to trial before the governor of that land. When the governor asked her for her name, she replied that she was called a Christian. The governor rebuked her because she did not give her usual name and Parasceva said to him: “First, I had to tell you my name in eternal life, and then my name in this tem- poral life.” After flogging her, the governor cast Parasceva into prison where an angel of God appeared to her, healed her of her wounds, and com- forted her. By prayer, Parasceva destroyed all the in the pagan temple. After prolonged and harsh tortures, Parasceva was beheaded with the sword and took up her abode in eternal life.