Saint Paraskevi of Iconium (also known as Paraskeva Pyatnitsa) is venerated as a Christian virgin martyr. Her parents were Christian, and Paraskevi was named as such (the name means “Friday” in Greek) because she was baptized on a Friday and because Friday was the day of Christ's Passion. She became a preacher, and according to tradition, converted Emperor Antoninus Pius to Christianity, but, subsequently martyred at Iconium during the persecutions of Diocletian. Saint Paraskevi-Pyatnitsa developed a personality and functions of her own on Russian soil. She is traditionally depicted as an ascetic figure wearing the red of martyrdom.
Paraskevi is depicted holding an Eastern cross in one hand and a scroll with the words from the Nicene Creed professing her faith in another while being crowned with the crown of Martyrdom by two angels. In Russia, Paraskeva-Pyatnitsa is the Holy patroness of traders and fairs, and of the Holy Matrimony.
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