THE HOLY FEMALE MARTYRS BASILISSA AND ANASTASIA

April 15

From the Prologue

Basilissa and Anastasia were two pious and devout Romans. During the reign of Emperor Nero, they gathered the slain bodies of the disciples of the apostles and buried them with honor. For this, they were accused and imprisoned. After prolonged torture, during which their breasts and tongues were severed, they were finally beheaded.

HYMN OF PRAISE

THE HOLY MARTYRS

Martyrs radiant, their blood they shed,

And the entire black earth, with their blood they stained

The fire was powerful in which they were burned,

But, more powerful the love, with which they loved Christ.

For the greatest good, a martyr to be

With what kind of riches, can this be compared?

All-victorious Christ, the King of that age,

Your brave souls in heaven welcomed.

From the hands of the angels, He took them to Himself,

And all your weighty pains, He blessed.