Saint Blaise

Blaise of Sebaste ( † about 316) was Bishop of Sebaste, now Sivas in north-eastern Turkey. Sebaste was the capital of the Roman province of Armenia. Blaise was martyred during the persecution of Christians of the Roman Empire. In the Catholic and Orthodox Church he is venerated as a saint; he is one of the fourteen Holy Helpers. The name is probably derived either from the Latin Blaesus = lisping from, roughly: The Lispler, or from the Latin form of the Greek name Basil ( Basil altgr. ) = the Royal, the " in the name of Christ the King (Jesus Christ ) baptized. "

Tradition

Originally recorded in Greek hagiography Vita Blasii describes his life and martyrdom. Before Bishop Blaise was, he should have been a doctor in Sebaste. His tireless helpfulness and tolerance towards all people, whether poor or rich, whether Christian or heathen, should have helped him on his election as bishop. Numerous legends have its healing power to the topic. The most famous story reported that he a young man who threatened to choke on a fishbone, saved the life during his captivity in a Roman prison. Therefore, he is invoked against sore throat ( Blaise blessing since the 16th century ).

Before he was appointed bishop, Blaise fled during a persecution of the Emperor Licinius in a cave of argeischen Mountains, where he lived with the animals of the forest, took care of them when they were hurt, and freed them from falling. In a hunt he was discovered and taken prisoner. The governor Agricola tried to bring him with promises to apostasy. As Blaise refused to let you beat him with sticks, torment with grooming or an iron wool tops. After the torture, asked the governor "Will you now worship our gods? " Blaise replied. " Do not be afraid, do what you will, but I will remain faithful to my Lord and God " As the governor left him in a pond throw. Blasius proposed the cross over the water, which was as good ground, and he stood and cried his tormentors: "If your gods are true gods, so I want to see their power. Go here to me on the water ". The tried 65 man, but she drowned. Prior to the execution prayed Blasius, that all who have an evil at the throat or some other infirmity, being heard would find if they were asking for healing in his name. A voice from heaven granted him the request. With two companions he was beheaded.

Worship

Blasius was in the late Middle Ages as the patron saint of throat sufferers, doctors, bakers and other professionals. At his memorial of Blaise blessing is given with two crossed or intertwined candles. His feast day is generally Roman Calendar of the Catholic Church February 3 (not optional memorial ), in the Orthodox Churches February 11.

972 brought to the head of St. Blasius is a valuable relic to Dubrovnik, where they, set in gold, with other relics (both arms, one leg and a neck relic ) in the Cathedral Museum. The hl. Blaise is the patron saint of the Croatian town where you sv. Blaise calls him (otherwise in Croatian. Blaž sv ). He is also considered the patron saint of doctors, Kämmler, Blasmusikanten, builders, bricklayers, plasterers, tanners, shoemakers, tailors, knitters, weavers, wool merchant, the wild animals. He is invoked against sore throats, bladder trouble, bleeding, toothache, ulcers, plague, and to make a good confession. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

Representation

The hl. Blasius is often depicted in the garb of a bishop with crosier and miter with two crossed or intertwined candles. The candle goes back to the legend: A wolf stole the pig once a poor woman. By Blasius ' prayer, the woman got back the pig. In gratitude, she brought the head and legs of the pig with fruit and a candle to Blasius.

Weather rule

• " St. Blasius pushes the winter from the horns. "