Anna of Leucate

Venerable Anna of Leucate, also called Anna of Leukadion, was born in Constantinople in the year 840, in the time of the iconoclast emperor Theophilus, to a wealthy and distinguished family. She was raised in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. After her parents' death, she inherited her father's estate and shared part of it with the poor.

A Hagarene living in Constantinople loved her and asked for her hand, with the consent of Emperor Basil the Macedonian. Anna refused, and the Hagarene threatened that he would take her even against her will. She entreated God with tears to deliver her from the temptation, and the judgment of God struck the wrongdoer, and he died. Around 896 Anna entered a monastery in Constantinople dedicated to the Mother of God, where she gave herself to fasting, vigil and prayer. She lived thus, like an angel, for fifty years, and after a short illness gave her soul to God.

Years later, when her grave was opened, her relics were found whole and with a divine fragrance, and through them demons were cast out, the blind received their sight and the lame walked. Her life is in the Synaxaristes of Saint Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain, and the Menologion of Basil II mentions her. She is commemorated on 23 July (new style).