Saint Paraskeva: Martyr Who Gave Wealth and Life for Christ

Saint Paraskeva, also known as Saint Petka, was born in the city of Iconium to wealthy and deeply devout Christian parents. From her youth she loved Jesus Christ and desired to live according to His commandments. After the death of her parents, she inherited their possessions, but instead of seeking comfort and luxury, she began distributing her wealth to the poor, the sick, and those in need.

Everything she gave, she offered in the name of Jesus Christ. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian, Paraskeva was arrested and brought before the local governor. When he demanded to know her name, she answered: "My name is Christian."

Angered, the governor asked why she refused to give her ordinary name. Saint Paraskeva replied: "I had to tell you first the name of eternal life, and only afterward the name of this temporary life." Her courageous confession enraged the governor, who ordered her to be brutally beaten and thrown into prison.

But the Lord did not abandon His faithful servant. According to her holy life, an angel of God appeared to her in prison, healed her wounds, and strengthened her spirit. Through her prayers, the idols in a pagan temple were destroyed, revealing the power of the living God. Despite prolonged and terrible tortures, Saint Paraskeva refused to renounce Jesus Christ.

Finally, she was executed by the sword, receiving the eternal crown of martyrdom. Her life reminds us that our greatest treasure is not what we possess in this world, but the faith we carry in our hearts. She gave her wealth to the suffering and her very life to Christ.

The account ends with the invocation: "Holy Martyr Paraskeva, pray to God for us. Lord, for Your glory, not mine."