Orphaned by her noble parents, in the year 304, young St. Anysia resolved to go to the assembly of the faithful. As she passed by the emperor’s gate, one of the guards was taken with her beauty and stepping before her said, “Stay, whither are you going?” She replied, “I am a servant of Jesus Christ, and am going to the Lord’s assembly.” The soldier replied, “I will prevent that and will bring thee to sacrifice to the gods; for today we adore the sun.” Saying this he tore off her veil to discover her face. Anysia endeavored to hinder him but the soldier, enraged, drew his sword and ran it through her body, so that it came out on the other side. She fell down immediately and there expired.