During the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius the Great, there lived in Antioch a goldsmith named Andronicus, who took as his wife the daughter of the goldsmith Athanasius. The couple led a virtuous life, dividing their wealth into three parts: for the poor, for the adornment of the church, and for their household needs. After the birth of their children, John and Mary, they ceased carnal relations and lived in purity, caring for the poor and the sick.
After twenty years of life, the children fell ill and died. Athanasius, grieving, wished for death, but the holy martyr Julian appeared to her, comforting her by saying that the children live in heaven. This changed her sorrow into joy, and she decided to enter a monastery for repentance.
Andronicus agreed, and they set out, leaving their home and possessions. In Jerusalem, they venerated the holy places, and then Andronicus, receiving the blessing from the venerable Daniel, was tonsured as a monk, while Athanasius was placed in a women’s monastery.
Athanasius, having taken on the appearance of an angel, spent twelve years in the monastery until she fell ill. Before her death, she asked Elder Daniel to deliver a letter to Andronicus, in which she revealed her true identity. After her passing, Andronicus learned that Athanasius was his wife.
Andronicus soon departed to the Lord as well. A dispute arose among the monks about where to bury Andronicus, but in the end, he was buried with Athanasius, glorifying God for their holiness and patience.
