Saint Anthi the Mother of Saint Eleftherios

Hand painted icon of Saint Anthia or Anthi, made in Mount Athos, on natural wood. The icon is delivered in a wooden box.

Saint Anthia or Anthi was the mother of Saint Eleftherios and she was a Christian. Anthia's husband died soon and she alone took on raising her son according to the way of our Lord. Eleftherios was Bishop of Rome in 182 AD. and presented great charity work. During the period of the persecutions by Septimius Severus, Eleftherius judged the emperor harshly. This resulted in his arrest, torture and finally his martyrdom by beheading. The most shocking moment was when Saint Anthia, who was watching the martyrdom, ran to the dead body of her son and kissed it heartbreakingly. At that moment, the merciless executioners also beheaded Saint Anthia. The memory of Saint Anthia is celebrated on the same day as the memory of Saint Eleftherios, on December 15.