Saint Anastasius was a Persian, at a time when the Persian Empire was the greatest enemy of the Christian Roman Empire. He was a Zoroastrian, but converted to the Christian faith when he encountered the true cross where Jesus was crucified. This cross was captured by the Persians in a raid.  Saint Anastasius was baptised and became a monk, but was later captured by the Persians and put to death in the year 628 for his faith.