Saint Heraclas of Alexandria

Biography

Saint Antiochus of Sebaste, also known as Antiochus of Anastasiopoli, was born in Sebaste, Armenia. He was the brother of Saint Plato of Ancyra and dedicated his life to serving others as a physician. During the persecutions of the governor Hadrian, Saint Antiochus remained steadfast in his faith and refused to renounce his belief in Christ. As a result, he was martyred for his unwavering commitment to Christianity. On the day of his martyrdom, Saint Antiochus was beheaded by Saint Cyriacus the Executioner. However, what made his martyrdom extraordinary was the phenomenon that occurred after his death. Instead of blood, milk flowed from his severed head. This miraculous event further solidified his status as a revered saint. Even though he did not have official representations assigned to him, Saint Antiochus is remembered and venerated by many for his courage, faith, and selflessness. His feast day is celebrated on July 15th. While he was canonized as a saint before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Saint Antiochus remains an important figure in Catholic history and spirituality. As a pre-congregation saint, he is seen as an inspiration, particularly for those facing persecution and challenges in their Christian faith. Although there is no specific patronage associated with Saint Antiochus, he serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by early Christians and the courage required to remain true to one's beliefs in the face of adversity. In conclusion, Saint Antiochus of Sebaste is recognized for his noble profession as a physician and his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith. His martyrdom, marked by the miraculous flow of milk from his severed head, serves as a powerful testament to his dedication to Christ. Through his example, Saint Antiochus inspires many to remain steadfast in their faith and endure persecution with courage and grace.