†) St. Cuv. Paraskeva from Iasi; Holy Martyrs Nazarie, Ghervasie, Protasie and Chelsietranslated

Orthodox calendar, October 14 Saint Pious Parascheva He was born in the village of Epivata in Thrace, not far from Constantinople, and lived in the first half of the 11th century. Her parents were pious and wealthy people, who, apart from Saint Parascheva, had another son, Efthimie, who would later be the bishop of Madit and Saint Hierarch of Myrrh Fountain (mentioned on May 5).

Their father, named Nikita, died when the children were only a few years old, and their mother, whose name has not been preserved, took care to give them a good upbringing, in the fear of God and in learning good Christian deeds, but especially in learning prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Once, when he was 10 years old, he heard the Lord's words to the rich young man: "Go, sell your possessions, then come and follow Me" (cf. Matthew 19, 21). The blessed one listened to these words as a call from God, increasing her zeal for prayer, vigils, almsgiving and charity.

More than once the Saint gave her good clothes to the poor, wearing their shabby clothes, and once she even gave as alms the golden crucifix she wore on her chest, replacing it with a wooden one.