February Commemorated Saints

February Commemorated Saints

SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH
PROPHET, PASTOR, WITNESS (MARTYR)

Also called Theophorus; born in Syria, around the year 50; died at Rome between 98 and 117.

Month of February, Purification of the BVM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

 

“Grant me no more than to be a sacrifice for God while there is an altar at hand…  It is a grand thing for my life to set on the world, and for me to be on my way to God, so that I may rise in his presence.”

During the time that Christianity was a Capital crime, around A.D. 110, a violent but short-lived persecution broke out, and Ignatius, the bishop, was apprehended. Considered a big catch due to his Christian leadership and influence, he was too big a prize to waste on the locals. Instead, his sentence was to fight wild beasts in Rome for the amusement and pleasure of the emperor himself.

Ignatius, chained to a squad of soldiers whom he called ten leopards, on foot, marched across Asia Minor, up the western coast of what is now Turkey, all the way to the end of the road to Troas the site of ancient Troy, where he finally was put on a ship that carried him to Rome.

Ignatius’s captors made subsequent stops in several towns along the way, where Ignatius managed to write seven letters to the churches that had sent representatives to honor him.

By the Providence of God, these letters (verified as authentic) survived and served as his testament. All seven of his letters are compelling. However, the most moving is his letter to the Church to Rome. He writes,

“I am voluntarily dying for God–if that is, you do not interfere. I plead with you, do not do me an unseasonable kindness. Let me be fodder for wild beasts–that is how I can get to God. I am God’s wheat and I am being ground by the teeth of wild beasts to make a pure loaf for Christ.

Through his determination, Ignatius is still aware of his frailty and requests, “If, when I arrive, I make a different plea, pay no attention to me!”

His letter to the Romans revealed martyrdom as he understood it — to share in Christ’s passion.

Ignatius’s letters were a powerful stimulus to the growth of the church and a powerful testimony against the heresies and divisions that threatened the legacy of apostolic teaching.

SAINT BRIDGET OF IRELAND, VIRGIN

February Commemorated Saints

St Brigid was born in 451 in Dundalk, Ireland, and died in 525

St. Bridget’s remarkable life unfolded against a backdrop of diverse circum-stances. Born to a Christian slave named Brocca, who had embraced Christianity under the influence of St. Patrick and her pagan master Dubthach, Bridget faced challenges from her earliest days. Dubthach’s wife, discovering Brocca’s pregnancy, forced Dubthach to sell Brocca to a druid once Bridget was born.

Bridget rejoined Dubthach’s household at ten and exhibited profound generosity, regularly distributing her father’s possessions to the less fortunate. This altruism led Dubthach to the decision to sell her. However, in a pivotal moment, Bridget, while her father negotiated with the local petty king, gave away his jewel-encrusted sword to a beggar. 

While her father fumed, the Christian king intervened, persuading Dubthach to release Bridget. Returning to her mother, Bridget worked for her mother’s master, the druid, overseeing dairy production. Despite her liberal sharing of the druid’s milk, the trade thrived. Impressed by her capabilities, the druid eventually freed her mother.

Embracing a monastic calling, Bridget became a consecrated nun by St. Patrick. Commissioned with establishing a monastery at Kildare, a once-pagan site, she served as abbess for around forty years. Pioneering one of the earliest double monasteries, accommodating both men and women, Bridget became a beacon of spiritual leadership.

Her legacy extended beyond the monastic realm, as she ardently supported sacred arts and learning in the burgeoning Christian Ireland. Bridget’s patronage provided artists with materials and space, contributing to the stability and growth initiated by St. Patrick.

Renowned for her miracles, Bridget peacefully passed away on February 1, 525. Her relics initially moved to evade Viking raiders in 878, have rested alongside St. Patrick, symbolizing Ireland’s Christian foundational pillars.

February Commemorated Saints

February Commemorated Saints

Feast of the Purification
of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Purification of the BVM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

 

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 2:22–40 (NKJV)

February Commemorated Saints

February Commemorated Saints

SAINT BLAISE
BISHOP & MARTYR

Month of February Purification of the BVM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

Born 3 February (Eastern: 11 February) ? AD
Died 316 AD (aged between his 30s and 40s)

St. Blaise’s early life remains shrouded in mystery, with suggestions that he might have been a doctor before his ordination, although this remains uncertain. What is undisputed is his role as the bishop of Sebaste during a tumultuous period of persecution.

Forced into seclusion in the woods, St. Blaise encountered a unique connection with wild animals seeking his blessings. His sanctuary, however, was disrupted when hunters, aiming to capture beasts for the arena, stumbled upon him. Despite facing trial before the governor, St. Blaise demonstrated his divine connection through two extraordinary miracles.

In the first, a distressed woman sought his help after a wolf had consumed her pig, jeopardizing her livelihood. With a reassuring word from St. Blaise, the wolf emerged from the woods, returning the pig unharmed. The second miracle unfolded when a mother pleaded for the saint’s intervention as her son choked on a fish bone. St. Blaise’s prayer led to the boy coughing up the obstruction.

As the hunters recounted these miraculous events to the governor, attempting to sway St. Blaise to renounce Christ, the saint resolutely refused. His unwavering faith led to his cruel martyrdom—his flesh torn by steel combs used on sheep wool before he was ultimately beheaded.

St. Blaise’s veneration is particularly prominent in France and Germany. Honored as one of the fourteen holy helpers, he is invoked for protection against throat diseases and the well-being of domestic animals.

February Commemorated Saints

February Commemorated Saints

SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN & MARTYR

Month of February Purification of the BVM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

231 AD–251 AD

Born into nobility, Saint Agatha faced the attention of powerful suitors drawn to her beauty. Despite the allure, she chose to consecrate her virginity to God. Among her suitors was the local judge, Quintianus. When Agatha rejected his advances, he accused her of being a Christian, leading to her trial. Despite the unjust circumstances, Agatha steadfastly refused to renounce her faith. Consequently, her faithfulness led to her imprisonment in a brothel, where her unwavering commitment to Christ prevented any violation. Even after enduring a month in such challenging conditions, Agatha again underwent pressure to renounce her faith.

Refusing a second time, she endured torture in various ways, one of which was having her breasts cut off.

Once again thrown in prison, St. Peter appeared to St. Agatha, healing her wounds and providing solace. With compassion, he prepared her for the forthcoming trials. As St. Agatha stood before the judgment seat again, she faced a third plea to renounce her faith.

Her final refusal resulted in public humiliation as her torturers stripped her naked and dragged her over hot coals and broken glass.

That night, as she prayed, she peacefully transitioned to her eternal reward. Only twenty years old, her legacy endures. St. Agatha is honored in the Canon of the Mass and was recently recognized as a special patroness for those facing challenges related to breast cancer and sexual assault.

February Commemorated Saints

February Commemorated Saints

SAINT SCHOLASTICA, VIRGIN

(Born: 480 A.D. – Reposed: 10 February AD 543)

February Commemorated Saints

“God forgive you, sister; what have you done?” With unwavering conviction, Scholastica stated, “I asked a favor of you, and you refused it; I asked it of God, and he has granted it.”

St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, dedicated her life to God from an early age, possibly even preceding her brother’s consecration. During that era, it was customary for nuns to remain at home, adhering to the prevailing practices. Following St. Benedict’s establishment of the Monte Cassino monastery, St. Scholastica founded a convent under the same rule, located five miles away at Plombariola.

 

The twins developed a poignant tradition, meeting once a year to spend the day discussing the joys of heaven and religious life. Adhering to their monastic rule, which prohibited interaction with the opposite sex and spending nights outside the monastery, they would convene at a small house midway between their residences and part before evening.

On one occasion, after their annual meeting, Scholastica implored Benedict to stay with her overnight. Benedict, bound by his rule, adamantly refused and began to depart. In response to Scholastica’s fervent prayers, a sudden and intense storm erupted, preventing anyone from venturing outside. Acknowledging the impact of her supplication, Benedict queried, “God forgive you, sister; what have you done?” Scholastica, with unwavering conviction, stated, “I asked a favor of you, and you refused it; I asked it of God, and he has granted it.” The siblings spent the night in uplifting conversation and parted ways the next morning.

Three days later, St. Benedict received a vision of his sister’s soul ascending to heaven in the form of a dove. Informing his fellow monks of her peaceful passing, he summoned Scholastica’s body, entombing it alongside his own.

A little over a month later, St. Benedict, too, found his final resting place beside his beloved sister. Their story is a testament to the deep spiritual bond and devotion that united them in this life and life eternal.

February Commemorated Saints

February Commemorated Saints

Chair of St. Peter in Antioch

Month of February Purification of the BVM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

Antioch, situated in Syria, became the initial location where Saint Peter, the first Pope of the Orthodox Catholic Church, established his Chair following his departure from Jerusalem.

This significant event took place at the residence of Theophilus, a noble Gentile Christian to whom Saint Luke dedicated his two books: the Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.

Approximately seven years later, in the year 42, Saint Peter transferred his Chair to Rome, specifically at the home of Saint Pudens, a senator, and his mother, Saint Priscilla.

Saint Peter continued to occupy his Chair in Rome from 42 to 67, a span of twenty-five years when he ultimately faced crucifixion for his unwavering faith.

February Commemorated Saints
February Commemorated Saints

February Commemorated Saints

SAINT PETER DAMIAN
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

February Commemorated Saints

St. Peter Damian, the youngest in a large yet impoverished noble family, faced early orphanhood and initial mistreatment from an elder brother who adopted him. As a swineherd, Peter endured neglect and underfeeding. However, his circumstances improved when another brother, the archpriest of Ravenna, intervened and provided him with educational opportunities. Peter excelled academically and became a proficient professor.

Drawing from his profound knowledge of the Bible and theological writings, Peter developed his own theological insights and emerged as a skilled preacher. Recognized for his expertise, leaders of various monasteries sought his guidance to foster holiness among their monks. In 1043, Peter assumed a leadership role as the prior of Fonte Avellana, overseeing the establishment of five hermitages under his direction.

Pope Stephen IX later appointed Peter as the cardinal-bishop of Ostia. In this role, Peter dedicated himself to eradicating simony, the unethical practice of buying church offices. He encouraged celibacy among priests and advocated for communal living with scheduled prayer for diocesan clergy.

A prolific writer, Peter composed numerous letters, 170 of which are preserved, along with 53 sermons and seven biographies. His writings often emphasized examples and stories over theoretical discourse. Peter’s liturgical offices showcased his stylistic prowess in Latin.

In 1072, Peter returned to his birthplace, Ravenna, to reconcile the local church with the Pope. However, his final illness struck during the journey, leading to his passing after a week at a Benedictine monastery in Faenza in February of that year.

SAINT RAPHAEL OF BROOKLYN
BISHOP & CONFESSOR

Month of February Purification of the BVM at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church

St. Raphael exemplified the essence of a dedicated pastor, leaving an indelible mark on the Church through his extensive travels and uplifting ministries. His public endeavors included the founding of twenty-nine parishes, the ongoing publication of Word Magazine, and instrumental contributions to the establishment of St. Tikhon’s Monastery.

However, his pastoral care extended beyond the public sphere to the personal and intimate. On a memorable occasion, he spent a night in a small town along a railway line. Instead of seeking rest in his hotel room, St. Raphael actively sought out Orthodox Christians in the area. Discovering a few young Arabs, he visited them with joyous reception. In an act of profound pastoral care, he heard their confessions, offered encouragement, and shared the entire night in fellowship. Notably, he promised to send them icons and prayer books, recognizing the scarcity of such resources in their location. Swiftly, the next morning, he gathered his belongings at the hotel and departed on the train.

St. Raphael peacefully entered eternal rest in his home, situated next to the Brooklyn Cathedral, on February 27, 1915. His legacy endures as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Church and its members.

February COMMORATED SAINTS

RESOURCES:

D’Ambrosio, Marcellino (2014). When the Church was Young: Voices of the Early Fathers, Franciscan Media.

(D’Ambrosio, 2014)

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.) St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr. https://www.orthodoxwest.com/febuary-saints
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.) St. Bridget of Ireland, Virgin. https://www.orthodoxwest.com/febuary-saints
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.) St. Blaise, Bishop & Martyr. https://www.orthodoxwest.com/febuary-saints
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.) St. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr. https://www.orthodoxwest.com/febuary-saints
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.) St. Scholastica, Virgin. https://www.orthodoxwest.com/febuary-saints

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.)

The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, (Feb 22, 2000) The Chair of Saint Peter at Antioch (36 – 42). https://catholicism.org/the-chair-of-saint-peter-at-antioch-36-42.html

The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, (Feb 22, 2000)

Deeper Truth (Blog), (n.d.) The Catholic Defender: Saint Peter Damian “Doctor of the Church”. https://www.deepertruthcatholics.com/single-post/the-catholic-defender-saint-peter-damian-doctor-of-the-church

Deeper Truth (Blog), (n.d.)

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.) St. Raphael of Brooklyn, Bishop & Confessor. https://www.orthodoxwest.com/febuary-saints

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, (n.d.)

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