Paraskevi of Rome

Saint Paraskevi of Rome was born in a village near Rome, likely during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, to Greek Christian parents, Agathon and Politia, who had long prayed for a child. Born on a Friday, she was named Paraskevi, meaning “Friday,” and she grew into a devout, learned young woman who turned away suitors to belong more wholly to Christ. After her parents’ death she gave her possessions to the poor and, around the age of thirty, left Rome to preach the Gospel from town to town. Her witness drew repeated persecution. Under Antoninus Pius she endured severe tortures and, by God’s power, emerged unharmed; when the emperor was struck blind, her prayer restored his sight and moved him to mercy. Later, under renewed hostility, she was cast into a pit with a great serpent, which died at the sign of the Cross, leading still more to faith. Finally, brought before the governor Tarasius and taken to the temple of Apollo, she made the sign of the Cross and the idols fell; for this she was beaten and beheaded, sealing her martyrdom. She is especially invoked for healing of eye ailments and is honored as patron in many places. Her feast day is July 26.