Orthodox Christians celebrate December 21 memory of the martyr Anfisa of Rome, which is the patroness of all girls and women named Anfisa. It is believed that they are under the prayer protection of the holy martyr regarding relationships with loved ones and family relationships from envious and unkind intentions of evil people. The December holiday is also called Anfisa the needlewoman, because earlier girls were supposed to spin, embroider, weave, sew and do other work.

The holy martyr Anfisa lived at the end of the 4th – beginning of the 5th century. The young girl was given in marriage to a rich Roman nobleman. At the same time, Constantine the Great stopped the persecution of Christians, but a false interpretation of faith – the Arian heresy – arose in the religious environment.

When Ambrose of Mediolan became the saint of Christianity in 374, Anfisa of Rome became his student. Supporters of the Arian heresy tried to turn Christians away from the true faith. But Anfisa did not give up and did not accept the heresy. Because of this, she was tortured by fire for denunciation. Christians honor the feat of Anfisa of Rome, who, thanks to the guidance of Saint Ambrose, did not renounce her faith. The image of the holy martyr helps parents instill in their children love for God and respect for adults, to make worthy choices in life.