S. Anastasius, Monk and Martyr

St. Anastasius was a 4th-century Christian monk and martyr. He was born in Persia and lived as a hermit in Mesopotamia. During the reign of the Persian king Shapur II, Anastasius was arrested, tortured, and eventually executed for his Christian faith. He is venerated as a saint for his unwavering devotion to his beliefs and his willingness to sacrifice his life for the Gospel. Anastasius is the patron saint of soldiers and is invoked against sorcery and magic.