Agia Paraskevi
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The holy and glorious Virgin-Martyr Agia Paraskevi, known as the Parthenomartyr, was was born near Rome during the reign of Hadrian (117-138 AD). She obtained an excellent education from both secular and Scriptural instructors and was very knowledgeable in philosophy. She was arrested during the reign of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) under the penalty of refusing to worship idols and adhering to the state pagan religion. After enduring many tortures, she was eventually released by the emperor, continuing to profess Christ. She was eventually tortured and beheaded by the Roman governor Tarasius in the year 180. The Church commemorates her on July 26.