<p>St. Anthusa was the daughter of the Iconoclast emperor Constantine Corpronymos.&nbsp; She and her brother, the future emperor Leo were born twins in 750.&nbsp; The Empress suffered very much with their birth so her father summoned Abbess Anthusa of Mantinea from Prison and asked for her prayers.&nbsp; The Abbess predicted the bith of the twins and their fate, and the daughter was named in her honor. &nbsp;</p> <p>When she grew up, the emperor began to urge her to marry.&nbsp; But from her youth St. anthusa yearned for monasticism and would not agree with his suggestions.&nbsp; She waited until after the death of her father, and used all of her personal property to help the poor and orphaned.&nbsp; He brother Emperor Leo&rsquo;s wife, treated her with love and esteem and invited her to be co-regent.&nbsp; St. Ann did not accept as she did not want worldly honors.&nbsp; Being at court, she wore clothes beffiting her position as an Emperor&rsquo;s daughter, but underneath her finery, she wore pagan clothing. &nbsp;</p> <p>St. Anthusa founded the Omonia Monastery in Constantinople, known specifically for its strict rule.&nbsp; St. Anthusa was herself and example of humility.&nbsp; She did hard work, she cleaned the Church and carried water.&nbsp; She never sat at the table during meals, but instead served her Sisters.&nbsp; She saw to it that no one left the monastery uncared for.&nbsp; She was a humble and gentle soul, who lived to the age of fifty-two, and died peacefully in 801.</p> <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Practical Take Away</strong></span></p> <p>St. Anthusa was born into a noble, royal family.&nbsp; She had every birth right to keep her place in society as a noble woman.&nbsp; She however, did not desire the things of this world, but rather that of God.&nbsp; She waited for her father to pass, and founded a monastery, giving her riches to the poorest of the poor, and served those in her Convent.&nbsp; She shows us that if we stay in tune with God&rsquo;s Will for us, we can find the peace and happiness we desire.&nbsp; In many cases, it is not in ways we think, but what God wills for us &ndash; that we find true happiness and peace in our lives.&nbsp; Through the intercession of St. Anthusa, we can find the Will of God in our lives, if only we call upon her assistance.&nbsp;</p>