Great Martyr Paraskeva (Piatnitsa) of Iconium

Paraskeva was, according to her Passion, the daughter of wealthy Christian parents of Iconium in Asia Minor, named Paraskeva — “Friday” in Greek — because she was born on that day. After their death she gave her inheritance to the poor and lived as a virgin, teaching the faith.

Under Diocletian she was denounced, tortured and beheaded. In Russia she became one of the most loved saints, called Paraskeva Pyatnitsa, “of Friday”: she was regarded as the protector of women, families and trade, and many Pyatnitskaya churches stood at old market places, where markets were often held on Fridays.