St. Blaise was a holy man who lived many years ago, yet his life still teaches us important lessons today. Through his faith, courage and love for others, he showed how to stand for what is right. BETTY AMUKPO, through some children, explores the life and times of St. Blaise and why his story still matters.
‘He is the Patron Saint of throat ailments’
St. Blaise was a 3rd-century bishop and martyr, believed to have lived in Sebaste, Armenia (modern-day Sivas, Turkey). He is revered as a saint by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches. Blaise was a physician before becoming the Bishop of Sebaste. He devoted himself to serving the physical and spiritual needs of his community, earning him great respect. “Pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Licinius, Blaise was arrested and tortured for refusing to renounce his faith.
He was beaten, had his flesh torn with iron combs, and was eventually beheaded in 316 AD. Blaise miraculously saved a boy choking on a fish-bone, making him the patron saint of throat ailments. He befriended wild animals and even commanded a wolf to return a stolen pig, earning him patronage of animals and wool combers. St. Blaise’s feast day is February 3. The Blessing of the Throats ceremony, where candles are held crossed over the faithful, is a popular tradition. The Catholic Encyclopedia, “St. Blasius.”
• Awaki Barnabas
‘One story indicates how St. Blaise commanded a wolf to release a pig it had captured’
According to tradition, St. Blaise was known as a very holy and spiritual man to his people. He was a Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia, in the early part of the fourth century, and suffered martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Licinius. According to history, he was martyred by being scourged, tortured by what was known as carding, and beheaded. Carding was the use of large iron combs which were used to scrape the flesh from the body (Luke 21:16 and Matthew 24:9). St. Blaise was known for miraculous gifts of healing as well as influence over animals.
One story indicates that once St. Blaise commanded a wolf to release a pig it had captured. The owner of the pig brought a gift of candles to St. Blaise in gratitude. Saint Blaise is venerated as the patron saint of wild animals owing to his compassionate care for them, as well as the patron saint of those suffering from throat maladies, thanks to the legend of his miraculous healing of a boy with a fish-bone stuck in his throat. His feast day is celebrated on February 3 each year. On this day, some churches offer a special blessing of the throats.
• Ivy Okereke
‘His life teaches courage and faithfulness to God’
St. Blaise was a 4th-century bishop in Armenia. He served God faithfully, performed healing miracles, and was martyred for Christ during persecution. His life teaches courage and faithfulness to God. Bible references: Matthew 10:22; Mark 16:18.
• Josephine Agbo
‘Bishop Blaise was known for combining deep faith with acts of healing and mercy’
Saint Blaise lived in the early fourth century and served as Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, during a time when Christians faced fierce persecution under Roman rule. A physician before becoming a bishop, Blaise was known for combining deep faith with acts of healing and mercy, reflecting Christ’s compassion for the suffering (Matthew 25:40). As a shepherd of his people, he embodied the words of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). During persecution, Blaise retreated to the wilderness, living in prayer and caring for the sick and even wild animals, a sign of harmony restored through holiness (Isaiah 11:6).
He was eventually arrested for refusing to renounce Christ, choosing obedience to God over fear of death (Acts 5:29). According to tradition, while imprisoned he miraculously healed a child choking on a fish-bone, which led to his lasting association with healing throats, echoing the biblical promise of healing through faith (James 5:14–15). Saint Blaise was martyred for his faith, enduring torture with steadfast hope, fulfilling Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). His life remains a witness to courage, compassion and fidelity to Christ.
• Owuamanam Christabel
‘A model of Christian faith’
St. Blaise, who was also called Blasius, was a Christian bishop and a martyr. He served as a bishop of Sebaste. He was known to be a physician before he became a bishop and served both the physical and spiritual needs of his community. He saved a young boy who was choking on a fish-bone. He lived a holy and ascetic life. St. Blaise was arrested during the reign of Emperor Licinius because he refused to renounce his faith. He was tortured and eventually beheaded for his unwavering confession of Christ. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and is celebrated on February 3 in the Western Church and February 11, in Eastern churches. St. Blaise died as a martyr, giving his life for Christ, and he is remembered as:
• A faithful bishop
• A healer moved by compassion
• A martyr who refused to deny Christ Matthew 10:22 states: “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” We must obey God rather than human beings.
• Chima Anita
‘Refusing to renounce his faith, he was martyred by beheading in 316 AD’
Saint Blaise, also known as St. Blasius, was a 4th-century Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia and a former doctor. Renowned for his holiness, prayerfulness and compassion, he spent some time as a hermit, attending to both people and animals. He is credited with numerous healings, the most notable being his rescue of a child who was choking on a fish-bone , which established him as the patron saint of throat issues. He was arrested during a wave of Christian persecution, where he suffered torture with iron wool combs. Refusing to renounce his faith, he was martyred by beheading in 316 AD. His feast day is celebrated on February 3, which also includes the Blessing of Throats, and he continues to be widely honoured in the Christian community.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘St. Blaise was a brave martyr known for his pious life dedicated to safeguarding animals’
St. Blaise, a 4th-century Bishop of Sebaste, was a brave martyr known for his pious life dedicated to helping the sick and safeguarding animals. He willingly faced imprisonment and death rather than renounce Christ during times of persecution. Blaise is also commemorated for rescuing a child from choking, an act that inspired the Blessing of Throats. His life exemplifies love and sacrifice, reflecting the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 16:25; John 10:11; 2 Timothy 4:7).
• Blossom Akalezi
