Priest-Martyr Blaise

Life

Blaise was a native of the Cappadocian region, God-fearing and gentle from early childhood. Because of his great virtues he was chosen as bishop of the city of Sebaste. Blaise was a great spiritual and moral luminary in that pagan city. During a time of severe persecution of Christians, Saint Blaise encouraged his flock and visited Christ's martyrs in prison, among whom the glorious Eustratios was especially prominent. When the city of Sebaste remained completely without Christians - some perished, others fled - the elder Blaise withdrew to Mount Argeos, and there settled in a cave. Wild beasts, recognizing the holy man, gathered around him, and he gently caressed them. But the persecutors found the saint in that hidden place and led him to trial. Along the way Blaise healed a boy who had a bone stuck in his throat; and at the complaint of some poor widow, that a wolf had seized her pig, he accomplished by the power of his prayer that the wolf returned the pig to her. The evil judges tortured him severely, beat and scraped him. By his unshakability in the Christian faith Blaise converted many pagans to the faith. Seven women and two children were imprisoned together with him. The women were beheaded first, then also the wondrous Blaise with those two children. He suffered and was glorified in the year 316. The people pray to Saint Blaise for the welfare of domestic livestock and for protection from beasts. In the West they also pray to him against throat ailments.

From the Hymn of Praise

Why do you bow so, my Christian,When you bow to icons, my Christian?"I bow to the living God, my Creator.I bow to Him with all my soul, heart and mind.