Feast of SAINT ANASTASIUS

Although no longer included within the Carmelite calendar, the feast of Saint Anastasius is still listed in the 2004 edition of the “Martyrologium Romanum”, and occurs on the traditional date of January 22nd. The Martyrology adds that St. Anastasius died around 628.

PRAYER.

0 GOD! 
the strength of them that hope in Thee, 
who hast called the Blessed Anastasius 
forth from the solitude of Carmel, 
to receive the palm of martyrdom; 
we beseech Thee that we may be inspired by his example 
to bear the sufferings that are for our good.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit
one God, forever and ever.  Amen.

LESSON IV.

Anastasius, a Persian youth, was enlisted in the army of King Chosroës. The Cross of the Lord had then been carried into Persia, where it became famous for the glory of its miracles. Anastasius was anxious to learn the mystery of the Cross; and when he was told that the Son of God had hung upon it, he was so inflamed with longing for the christian faith that, when the Persians were routed by the army of Heraclius, he left the service and stayed for some time in Hieropolis, at the house of a Persian banker who was a Christian. He afterwards set out for Jerusalem, where he was instructed in the faith of Christ by a priest named Elias, and he was then baptized by Modestus, Bishop of the Church of Jerusalem, changing his name, because he wished to be called Anastasius in honor of our Lord’s resurrection. At the end of the eighty days, during which those who had been brought to the light of the true faith were not permitted to go out, he took the habit of a monk. He passed seven years in his monastery with the greatest credit; but at the end of this time it was revealed to him in a dream that he was to suffer martyrdom, and he then went back to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection. There he entered the Diaconium, and afterwards discovered his secret to his master, who dismissed him with the utmost kindness.

LESSON V.

After visiting Diospolis, Charizin, and other places of devotion, for the purpose of praying, there, he at length reached Caesarea. After he had passed two days in the Church of the Mother of God, and was on his way to the Church of Saint Euphemia, he saw some Persian diviners busy with their search for omens. Moved by his zeal for religion, he tried to save them from their errors, but they laid violent hands upon him, and kept him for three days in prison, without food or drink. They then led him to the headquarters of Marzabanas, and placed him before their general. The commander, after endeavoring by much persuasion to shake the constancy of Anastasius, ordered that he should be carried to the prison, that there his neck and one foot should be bound with iron chains, and that he should carry heavy stones. In this place he was tormented by a crowd of Persians under their leader, and he was then stretched upon the ground and cruelly scourged. He nevertheless persisted in confessing his faith, and in denouncing magical sacrifices, and he was again and again led back to prison. There two monks, who had been sent from Jerusalem, went to see him and encouraged him on his way to martyrdom. Once, while he was chanting the hymns at Matins, he was consoled by the visit of an angel.

LESSON VI.

Marzabanas, seeing that his efforts were useless, reported the matter to King Chosroes, and at the command of the latter Anastasius was sent to Persia. There he was tempted in different ways, and he was scourged more than once. They then tied a very heavy stone to one foot, and, fastening him by the corresponding hand, they kept him hanging thus for two hours; but seeing that Anastasius came forth from torments more determined than before, the Governor urged the King that the Royal Majesty should no longer be exposed to contempt through the firmness of this man. Anastasius was therefore beheaded, giving thanks to God, but first, seventy other Christians were, by the King’s command, led to martyrdom before his eyes. The executioners then carried his sacred head to the King in proof that he was already put to death. A monk came from Caesarea; and swathing the remains in a winding-sheet, which had been lent by the sons of Jesdin, he carried them away with him, and placed them reverently in the monastery of Saint Sergius. At length they were carried to Rome and placed in the monastery of the Salvian Waters.

Taken from the book “Saints of Carmel” (BOSTON: JOHN CASHMAN & CO., 1896).