It falls on January 12 in the Orthodox church calendar The day of commemoration of martyr Anisia of Thessalonica. In the people, she was called Winter, Shlunochnytsa or Porizuhya. Our ancestors prayed to her for stomachaches, and on this day they slaughtered cattle and poultry before St. Basil’s Eve.

Anisia was born at the end of the 3rd century. in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. Rich parents raised their only daughter in the spirit of Christian piety and decency. But in her young years, the girl became an orphan. Wanting to be closer to the Lord, she sold her wealth and gave up earthly pleasures.

The holy martyr dedicated her entire life to fasting and prayers. She cared for the sick, helped beggars and orphans.

At that time, the empire was ruled by Maximian Herculius, who pursued a policy of persecution of Christians. They were subjected to brutal torture and killed with impunity. The girl paid special attention to the victims of persecution and, despite the danger, visited them in prisons.

Died Saint Anisia on the way to the prayer temple at the hands of a pagan warrior who wanted to force her to attend a pagan festival. When she objected to him, the warrior struck her with his sword. Anisia of Thessalonica was buried near the city gate, where after the persecution of Christians ended, a church was built in her honor.