St. Blaise

Few historical facts are known about St. Blaise. He is thought to have been a bishop in Sebastea, Armenia, who was in fourth century during the rule of Licinius. Legend has that he hid in a cave in the hills to escape the persecution and that while there he miraculously cured sick wild animals. When men out hunting discovered Blaise, they realized he was the bishop and took him back to the authorities for a trial. St. Blaise is invoked as a patron of wild animals and for diseases of the throat. His feast day is February 3. Traditionally on this day, a priest or deacon blesses the throats of the faithful, while holding two crossed unlit blessed candles, with which he touches the throat and prays “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may you be freed from diseases of the throat and other disorders.”