St. Blaise (Sourb Barsegh) was a physician, and Bishop of Sebastea in historical Armenia, now modern-day Sivas, Turkey.
According to early Church records, he was martyred by being beaten and then beheaded. He blessed throats and effected many miracles according to his hagiography.
He is often pictured with crossed candles, which are still used to bless the throats of the faithful on the Feast of St. Blaise today.
St. Blaise’s following became widespread in Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries. St. Blaise is also one of the “Fourteen Holy Helpers” or Auxiliary Saints and his legend is recounted in the 14th century “Legenda Aurea”.
He is also the Patron of the Armenia Order of Saint Blaise. St. Blaise’s (aka San Biagio) remains rest at the Basilica in the town of Maratea, Italy.
In central Europe and Latin countries, people are still given pan bendito (St. Blaise sticks), which they eat when they have a sore throat.
The Order of Saint Blaise was an order founded in Armenia in the 12th century. It took its name from Saint Blaise, the patron saint of the Armenian kingdom [of Cilicia].
The order was divided into religious, who were charged with the holy offices and missionary work among the unbelievers, and the fighters, who defended the country against attacks.
It rendered great services for a century and only disappeared when Armenia was conquered by the Turks.
Taken from: Mano Chil
