Saint Asterius of Petra

Biography

Saint Asterius of Petra, also known as Asterio, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church who is honored for his defense of orthodoxy against the Arian heresy. He was born in the 4th century and hailed from Petra, a city in present-day Jordan. Originally, Asterius adhered to Arianism, a heretical teaching that denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. However, his deep knowledge of Scripture and his interactions with orthodox Christians gradually led him to abandon his erroneous beliefs and embrace orthodox Christianity. Asterius' conversion caused quite a stir, as he was a well-known figure within the Arian circles. In recognition of his newfound faith, he was ordained as a bishop and became the Bishop of Petra. From this position, he vehemently fought against the spreading Arian heresy. One of Asterius' notable contributions was his account of the Council of Sardica in 347. He wrote about the intrigues and machinations of the Arians during this crucial event, exposing their attempts to undermine the orthodox position. This made him a target of the Arians, who bore him great animosity. As a result of his outspokenness against the Arians, Emperor Constantius exiled Asterius to Africa. This punishment aimed to silence his voice and prevent him from influencing others against the Arian heresy. However, his exile did not deter him from continuing his defense of orthodoxy. A favorable turn of events occurred when the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate recalled Asterius to his diocese in Petra. Julian was himself an opponent of Christianity, but he allowed Asterius to return, perhaps to exacerbate divisions within the Christian community. At the Council of Alexandria in 362, Asterius served as an assistant, offering his wisdom and insights to the proceedings. Though the outcome of the council did not fully restore orthodoxy, Asterius played a significant role in opposing the Arians and defending the doctrines of the Church. Saint Asterius remained dedicated to his episcopal duties until his death, which is believed to have occurred around 364. He died a natural death, having faithfully served the Church and upheld the true teachings of Christianity. While there is limited information available about Saint Asterius' specific representations, his legacy as a defender of orthodoxy endures. Although he has not been officially assigned as a patron saint in a particular area or for a specific cause, his steadfast commitment to truth and unwavering defense of Christian doctrines continue to inspire believers around the world. Saint Asterius of Petra's feast day is celebrated on June 10th. Although he lived during the period before the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, his veneration as a saint predates this congregation, making him a pre-congregation saint. Saint Asterius' biography stands as a testament to the importance of standing up for truth and combating heresies within the Church. His conversion from Arianism to orthodox Christianity, his writings against the Arians, and his courageous defense of the faith make him a revered figure among Catholic saints.