Initial records of Blaise are referenced in the medical writings of Aëtius Amidenus where his intercession is invoked in treating patients with objects stuck in their throats.

Little is known of his childhood except that he was born into a wealthy and devout Catholic family.  He studied many of the great philosophers when he was younger and became an excellent physician in his hometown of Sebaste, Armenia, which is now Silvas, Turkey. 

As his faith and virtue grew, he began living as a hermit in a cave in the forest of Mount Argeus. Many came to him for physical healing as a physician, while also receiving many miracles. He believed in caring for his people in both body and soul.  

When the Bishop of Sebaste had died, he was chosen for the position out of his great reputation, and converted his cave into his episcopal see.  He continued to work hard to encourage the spiritual and physical wellbeing of his congregation.

In the year 313, the co-ruling Roman Emperors, Constantine I and Licinius, jointly issued the Edict of Milan, which established religious toleration throughout the Roman Empire.  However, in 316, Agricola, the Governor of Cappadocia and Lesser Armenia, acting on an opposing order by Licinius, began to arrest, try, and condemn those of the Catholic faith. 

A group of the governor’s hunters were within the Mount Argeus forest when they came across Blaise praying. He was taken to trial where the governor insisted that Blaise renounce his faith which he in turn refused.  He was then sentenced to death and locked up in a dungeon where he cared for other prisoners.  He was beaten, had his flesh ripped with metal wool combs, and then beheaded.   

Tradition holds that Bishop Blaise saved a child who had choked on a fish bone and therefore hence has been the ancient custom of blessing of the throats on his feast day. 

He is the patron saint of throat illnesses, animals, and those of the wool trades.

His feast day is February 3.

For God’s Glory.