Saint Besas of Alexandria

Biography

Saint Besas of Alexandria, also known as Bessa of Alexandria, was a soldier and martyr of the early Christian Church. He lived during the third century in Alexandria, Egypt. Not much is known about his early life, but his courageous actions have been recorded by Saint Dionysius of Alexandria. It is documented that Saint Besas was on duty when two fellow Christians, Saint Julian of Alexandria and Saint Cronion Eunus, were being led to their deaths. These two saints were facing persecution for their faith during a time when Christians were heavily persecuted by the Roman authorities. When Besas witnessed the cruel treatment and abuse that the two saints were subjected to by the crowd, his deep sense of compassion and empathy moved him to intervene. He attempted to shield Saint Julian and Saint Cronion from the physical and verbal attacks of the mob, bravely standing up for their dignity and right to a fair trial. However, his intervention did not go unnoticed. The mob quickly turned their anger towards Besas, seizing him in the street. Despite his efforts to protect the saints, he himself became a victim of their violence. In the year 250, Saint Besas was brutally killed by the mob, becoming a martyr for the Christian faith. The account of Saint Besas' heroic actions and subsequent martyrdom was preserved by Saint Dionysius of Alexandria. Saint Dionysius, who was the Bishop of Alexandria at the time, witnessed the courage and selflessness of Besas firsthand. Saint Besas is venerated as a martyr both in the Roman Church and the Greek Church. In the Roman Church, his feast day is celebrated on the 27th of February, while the Greek Church commemorates him on the 30th of October. Although there is no specific representation or patronage associated with Saint Besas, his story serves as a testament to the timeless values of compassion, courage, and defense of those who are persecuted for their faith. He is a reminder of the hardships faced by early Christians and their unwavering commitment to their beliefs, even in the face of danger and death. Though Saint Besas of Alexandria has not been formally canonized by the Catholic Church, his martyrdom and devotion to his fellow Christians make him a revered figure in the history of the faith. His story serves as an inspiration to all, encouraging individuals to stand up for what is right and to protect the vulnerable, regardless of the personal cost.