Saint Blaise of Sebaste

Editor's Note: Today is Transfiguration Sunday. As a result, today's commemorated saint, Blaise of Sebaste, is simply recounted in the Intercessions at the Liturgy.

Today the Church commemorates Saint Blaise of Sebaste. He was a bishop in Armenia, and died in a persecution under Licinius (who was Emperor of the East at the time that Constantine became Emperor of the West, and who continued to persecute Christians for some time after Constantine had stopped that practice in the West) in the year 314. According to one story, when Blaise was being led to the arena to be executed, he saw among the bystanders lining the streets a boy who had been eating his lunch and was choking on a bone. Blaise darted past his guards, ran to the boy, administered first aid, and saved his life. He then returned quietly to his guards and was led to his death.

Prayer of the Day

Father, hear the prayers of your people and unite them with those of your holy martyr Blaise. Strengthen us with your Spirit, bless us with peace during our lives on earth, and bring us at the last day to eternal life. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.