Saint Athanasia of Aegina

Saint Athanasia of Aegina, also known as Athanasia of Constantinople, was born in the 8th century on the beautiful Island of Aegina, Greece. She was the daughter of Nikita and Marina, belonging to a noble and pious family. Athanasia grew up in an environment filled with deep religious devotion, and from a young age, she felt a strong calling towards the religious life. Legend has it that when Athanasia was just a young girl learning to weave, a miraculous event occurred. A bright star appeared and settled over her heart, filling her with enlightenment and affirming her desire to dedicate her life to God. However, at the request of her parents, she married an army officer when she was only sixteen years old. Tragically, Athanasia's first marriage was incredibly short-lived as her husband died in battle against invading Arabs just sixteen days after their union. Following this devastating loss, Athanasia reconsidered her vocation, desiring to embrace the religious life fully. However, an imperial edict at the time required all single women of marriage age to marry soldiers. Athanasia entered into her second marriage with a deeply religious man, who shared her devotion to God. Together, they conducted Bible studies in their home and generously supported the sick and the poor. Over time, her husband began to feel a calling to become a monk, and Athanasia wholeheartedly supported his decision. In response to her own deepening desire for a life of prayer and asceticism, Athanasia became a nun. She embraced a life of severe austerity and renounced the material possessions she once enjoyed. Athanasia gave away a large portion of her wealth and converted her home into a convent. With the guidance of a spiritual director named Matthias, Athanasia invited other women to join her in their pursuit of holiness. She served as the abbess of the community, providing spiritual guidance and fostering a life of prayer and devotion. Athanasia's dedication to God led her to build three churches, offering sacred spaces for worship and prayer. As her reputation for holiness grew, she and her community moved to Timia, where Athanasia became widely known for her miraculous healings. However, seeking a return to a quiet and prayerful life, Athanasia and two of her sisters fled secretly to Constantinople. In Constantinople, she secluded herself as an anchoress, choosing to live in a small cell. Despite her solitary existence, Athanasia became an advisor to Empress Theodora, using her wisdom and holiness to guide and assist the empress. Athanasia remained in her secluded cell for seven years, providing spiritual guidance and intercession for those who sought her counsel. In response to the appeals of her sisters, Athanasia eventually returned to Timia at a very late stage in her life. There, she spent her remaining days, continuing to inspire others with her faith and devotion. Numerous stories have been handed down through history regarding Athanasia's life, particularly emphasizing her miraculous activities after death. One such account speaks of a vision that occurred forty days after her passing during a Mass at the convent. Two of her sisters reported seeing Saint Athanasia at the gates of heaven, where she was adorned with a crown bearing crosses. She was handed a brilliant staff and led through the gates to the altar by two radiant men. Another remarkable account tells of Athanasia's desire for a forty-day commemoration and feeding of the poor after her passing. Although her sisters only organized a nine-day memorial trapeza, a dining hall where religious and pilgrims gathered for food, Athanasia appeared to them, expressing her disappointment. She emphasized the importance of carrying out the commemoration as it greatly benefited the souls of the deceased and brought heavenly mercy to those who participated. As a sign of her presence, Athanasia jabbed her staff into the ground, and the next day, it had sprouted into a living sapling. Even after her death, the power of Athanasia's intercession continued to manifest. A year after her passing, a possessed woman was brought to her grave seeking healing. Upon touching Athanasia's coffin, the woman was instantly cured. Witnesses noticed a sweet fragrance emanating from the grave and upon opening it, discovered that Athanasia's body had not decayed, but instead was flowing with fragrant myrrh. In awe of this miraculous preservation, the witnesses transferred her body to a new ark. While intending to clothe Athanasia's body in silk, her sisters encountered a significant obstacle. The body's limbs grew rigid, with hands clasped to her breast, preventing them from dressing her in the rich garments. Interpreting this event as a testament to Athanasia's love for pious poverty, one of the sisters implored the saint to accept their humble gift and be clothed in the silk clothing. To their astonishment, the body sat up, extended her hands, and allowed herself to be dressed in the silk attire. Saint Athanasia of Aegina, although little known to many, embodied a remarkable dedication to God throughout her life. Her selfless acts of compassion towards the poor and sick, her role as an advisor to Empress Theodora, and the numerous miracles associated with her name make her an inspiring figure whose faith and devotion continue to touch the lives of believers. May Saint Athanasia intercede for us and lead us closer to God through her powerful example of love and sacrifice.