Saint 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. 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, and had prayed for many years to have a child. Politia finally bore a child, a girl who was born on a Friday, the day of Our Lord's suffering. Her parents therefore named her Paraskevi (Παρασκευή), meaning "Friday" in Greek (literally "preparation (day)" for the sabbath: cf. Mark 15:42). Paraskevi grew up to be a devout and well-read woman, who rejected many suitors. After the death of her parents, she gave away all of her possessions and began to preach the Christian faith. At the age of 30, Paraskevi left Rome and ministered to many towns and villages. 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.