December 22, Feast Day of Agia Anastasia the Pharmakolitria Search for: On December 22nd the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Agia Anastasia Pharmakolitria, Saint Protector of poison and other harmful substances. The Great Martyr Anastasia the “Deliverer from Potions”, also Anastasia the Healer or Anastasia of Sirmium was martyred in Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia), and is known by the Greek term “the Pharmakolitria “since she has long been venerated by the church as a healer and exorcist. Anastasia was from Rome. She was the daughter of Praepextatus and Fausta and was beautiful in appearance, virtuous and from a wealthy family. Her mother instructed her in the faith of Christ. After her mother’s death, she was given in marriage to a pagan named Publius Patricius. He subjected his wife to beatings and would keep her slaved in the house. She endured these torments for a short time since Publius drowned early in their marriage.