Blaise the Shepherd

Holy Martyr Blaise the Shepherd of Caesarea in Cappadocia.

St. Blaise was a shepherd of Caesarea in Cappadocia. During a persecution the pagans sought him as a Christian; when he learned of it he surrendered himself and confessed Christ before the governor.

He was cruelly tortured and gave up his soul to God, receiving the crown of martyrdom in the third century.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Blaise the Shepherd is commemorated on February 3. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on February 16 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on February 3

• 

  Simeon the God-Receiver

  Venerable, Συμεών

  The Elder Simeon who received the infant Christ in the Temple.

  Name days: Symeon, Simeon

• Anna the Prophetess

  Holy Woman, Άννα η Προφήτις

  Righteous Anna the Prophetess, who greeted the infant Christ in the Temple.

• Stamatios, John and Nicholas of Spetses

  Martyr, Σταμάτιος, Ιωάννης και Νικόλαος

  New Martyrs Stamatios and John, brothers, with their companion Nicholas, of Spetses.

  Name days: Stamatios, Stamatis, Stamos, Stamatia, Matoula, Stamatina

• Azariah the Prophet

  Prophet, Αζαρίας

  Holy Prophet Azariah, son of Oded, who called King Asa to faithfulness.

• Adrian and Euboulos of Caesarea

  Martyr, Αδριανός και Εύβουλος

  Holy Martyrs Adrian and Euboulos of Caesarea in Palestine.

  Name days: Adrianos, Adrian, Adriana, Adriani

• Nicholas of Japan

  Apostle, Νικόλαος Ιαπωνίας

  St. Nicholas Kasatkin, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Enlightener of Japan.