Saint Dorothea of Caesarea (also known as Saint Dorothy)(†ca. 311) was a virgin martyr who was executed at Caesarea Mazaca. She is called a martyr of the late Diocletianic Persecution, although her death occurred after the resignation of Diocletian himself. In late medieval Sweden Saint Dorothy was considered to be the 15th of the Holy Helpers, and in arts she occurred with Saints Barbara, Catherine and Margaret, forming with them a quartet of female virgin martyrs called Quattuor Virgines Capitales, meaning "The four Capital Virgins". She is patroness of gardeners, due to her virginal attribute of a wreath of roses. She is also patroness of brewers, brides, florists, midwives, and newlyweds.
Saint Anastasius of Persia, originally named Magundat, was born in Ray, Persia, to a Zoroastrian magus. A soldier under King Khosrow II, he participated in the 614 capture of Jerusalem, where the True Cross sparked his curiosity about Christianity. Converting, he was baptized as Anastasius, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection, and became a monk in Jerusalem for seven years. Inspired by a vision, he sought martyrdom, openly professing his faith in Caesarea. Despite torture and offers of honor, he remained steadfast. In 628, he was strangled and beheaded with seventy others. His relics, revered for miracles, were later venerated in Rome.
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