Saint Christopher, a characteristic example of the influence of pagan culture on the tradition of our church, is often depicted as cynocephalic, a creature with human body and the head of a dog. According to traditional narratives, he came from the race of the Cynocephali and was captured during a war. He did not yet possess the gift of human speech until he prayed to God. Then, an angel touched his lips and granted him the language of people.
Upon reaching the city, he accused the persecutors of Christians and endured severe beatings by Bachus, humbly declaring that his whole existence was dedicated to God. Among other miracles, he multiplied a single loaf of bread and distributed it to two hundred soldiers, who, moved by faith, believed in Christ and were baptized by the saint.
Emperor Decius, witnessing the saint’s great spirit, felt fear and sought to turn him away from Christ. He attempted to lead him into sin by offering seductive women and worldly pleasures. However, Saint Christopher converted the women to Christianity. They were cruelly punished and martyred for their faith. Enraged, the emperor ordered the execution of the soldiers who had been baptized, while he also imprisoned the saint. Despite the tortures, Saint Christopher remained unharmed. Many who witnessed this miracle came to believe in Christ.
The saint endured severe humiliations. He was thrown into a well and his body was exposed to fire, yet it remained unaltered. In the end, he was beheaded. His memory, together with that of other martyrs who suffered alongside him, is celebrated on the day of his martyrdom, near the feast of Saint George the Great Martyr.
