Catholic Blesseds, Saints, Solemnities & Holy Days

St. Anthusa was the daughter of the Iconoclast emperor Constantine Corpronymos.  She and her brother, the future emperor Leo were born twins in 750.  The Empress suffered very much with their birth so her father summoned Abbess Anthusa of Mantinea from Prison and asked for her prayers.  The Abbess predicted the bith of the twins and their fate, and the daughter was named in her honor.  

When she grew up, the emperor began to urge her to marry.  But from her youth St. anthusa yearned for monasticism and would not agree with his suggestions.  She waited until after the death of her father, and used all of her personal property to help the poor and orphaned.  He brother Emperor Leo’s wife, treated her with love and esteem and invited her to be co-regent.  St. Ann did not accept as she did not want worldly honors.  Being at court, she wore clothes beffiting her position as an Emperor’s daughter, but underneath her finery, she wore pagan clothing.  

St. Anthusa founded the Omonia Monastery in Constantinople, known specifically for its strict rule.  St. Anthusa was herself and example of humility.  She did hard work, she cleaned the Church and carried water.  She never sat at the table during meals, but instead served her Sisters.  She saw to it that no one left the monastery uncared for.  She was a humble and gentle soul, who lived to the age of fifty-two, and died peacefully in 801.