Saint Paraskevi lived during the reign of Emperor Antoninus in Rome.
From an early age she studied the Scriptures and the sacred texts of the Church. After the death of her parents, she distributed her wealth to the poor and dedicated herself to monastic life, preaching the word of the Gospel and converting many pagans to the true faith.
The Jews slandered her before the Emperor Antoninus, who, unable to force her to renounce Christ, subjected her to severe tortures. The saint remained steadfast, while her body stayed incorrupt and strong despite the suffering she endured.
Witnessing the successive miracles that took place, the emperor repented and came to believe in the true God. He released the saint, who continued preaching in the surrounding areas.
After his death, his successor Marcus Aurelius began fierce persecutions against the Christians. He then ordered the governors Asclepius and Tarasius to arrest Saint Paraskevi and torture her to death. They first threw her into a place filled with snakes, which died as soon as they approached her. Enraged, Tarasius decided to have her beheaded.
Her memory is celebrated on July 26.
