Athanasia or Anastasia (9th century)

Biography

She aspired to religious life, but was forced to marry twice. The first time with a rich and quite young man. They formed a happy marriage until her husband died defending the port of Aegina, which the Muslims from Spain were trying to take over. The laws of the island forced young widows to remarry, since it had been depopulated after the war. Her new husband, even richer than her first, was a good man and merciful to the poor, just like her. They dedicated themselves together to prayer and helping the indigent. When they reached old age, they separated to prepare for their death each on their own. Anastasia stayed in her palace, which she transformed into a convent, and led a community of nuns for many years before she died. Her husband left the island and entered a monastery where he died months later.