Babylas of Antioch

Holy Hieromartyr Babylas, Patriarch of Antioch.

St. Babylas was Bishop of Antioch in the third century, remembered for his boldness in barring an emperor stained with blood from entering the church until he should repent. During the persecution under Decius he was imprisoned for his confession of Christ and died in chains around the year 253.

His relics were greatly honored in Antioch, and his memory endured as an example of a shepherd who feared God more than earthly power. He is commemorated on September 4.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Babylas of Antioch is commemorated on September 4. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on September 17 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Babylas

Also commemorated on September 4

• Moses the Prophet and God-seer

  Prophet, Μωυσής

  Holy Prophet Moses the God-seer, who led Israel out of Egypt and received the Law on Sinai.

  Name days: Moses, Moysis, Moisis, Moyses, Moisés

• Hermione the Daughter of Philip

  Holy Woman, Ερμιόνη

  Holy Martyr Hermione, daughter of the Apostle Philip the Deacon, prophetess and healer.

  Name days: Hermione, Ermioni, Ermione

• Anthimos the New of Kefalonia

  Venerable, Άνθιμος ο Νέος

  Venerable Anthimos the New, the blind ascetic of Kefalonia.

• Babylas of Nicomedia and the 84 Children

  Martyr, Βάβυλας ο Διδάσκαλος

  Holy Martyr Babylas, teacher of Nicomedia, and his 84 young pupils.

• Theotimos and Theodoulos

  Martyr, Θεότιμος και Θεόδουλος

  Holy Martyrs Theotimos and Theodoulos, executioners converted by the martyrs they were sent to kill.

• Kentyrion, Theodore, Ammianos, Julian and Oceanos

  Martyr, Κεντυρίων, Θεόδωρος, Αμμιανός, Ιουλιανός, Ωκεανός

  Holy Martyrs Kentyrion, Theodore, Ammianos, Julian and Oceanos of Nicomedia.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.