Bishop
In those ancient times, when many people worshiped idols, the faith of the holy hieromartyr Blasius, Bishop of Sebaste, shone brightly. He lived righteously and blamelessly, and his fellow citizens chose him as their bishop. During the reign of Diocletian and Licinius, when the Church was undergoing persecution, Saint Blasius hid in the wilderness, where he prayed and healed the sick.
The governor Agricolai, seeking to destroy Christians, ordered the capture of wild beasts for executions. The hunters, seeing Saint Blasius, reported him to the governor, who ordered his arrest. The saint, overjoyed, went with them, knowing that the Lord was calling him. On the way, many turned to the true God thanks to his miracles.
After the arrest of Saint Blasius, the governor tried to force him to offer sacrifices to idols, but the saint steadfastly refused, affirming that only Christ is the true God. He was subjected to cruel tortures, yet remained unwavering in his faith. During this time, seven pious women, following him, were also arrested and subjected to torment, but they did not renounce Christ.
Saint Blasius, after much suffering, was executed along with two youths. His martyr's death occurred on February 11. The honorable bodies of the martyrs were buried with honors, and from their tomb, healings occurred. The memory of Saint Blasius began to be celebrated by the faithful, who brought candles and incense, giving alms to the poor, which became a pious custom.
