Paraskeva’s parents, both devout Christians, had prayed long and hard for a child. When she came, they raised her in faith and virtue, teaching her to read the Gospels and to pray.
From a young age, Paraskeva devoted herself to God. When her parents died, she gave away her inheritance to the poor and became a nun. Inspired by the example of the holy apostles, she began preaching Christ to pagans. Many came to faith through her words.
At the time, Emperor Antoninus Pius ruled Rome. Word of the saint's preaching reached him, and he commanded her arrest and trial. Paraskeva boldly confessed her faith in Christ, unafraid of torture or death; nor did promises of honours or riches tempt her to deny Him. Savage torments followed: a white-hot helmet was pressed upon Paraskeva's head, and guards hurled her into boiling pitch. Yet the young woman lived on, untouched by harm. When the emperor looked into the cauldron, Paraskeva splashed pitch into his face, blinding him. He begged for healing, and through her prayers, his sight was restored. After this miracle, he set her free.
Much the same took place when Paraskeva preached in a city under Asclepius's rule. He also put her on trial and sentenced her to death. Guards threw the saint into a cave where a great serpent dwelt. Paraskeva made the sign of the cross over it, and it perished. This miracle amazed Asclepius and many of the townspeople.
They believed in Jesus Christ. After her release, Paraskeva continued to preach the faith. However, in a pagan city ruled by Tarasius, idol worshippers seized her once again. There, she endured many torments before finally being put to the sword.
