Saint Macarius of Petra

Biography

Saint Macarius of Petra, also known as Arius of Petra, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. Born as Arius, he eventually changed his name to Macarius in protest against the Arian heresy which was spreading throughout the region. Macarius served as the Bishop of Petra during a crucial period in Church history. He bore witness to the rise of the Arian heresy, which challenged the orthodox Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ. The Arians argued that Jesus was not equal to God the Father, but rather a created being of lesser status. Considering this heresy to be a serious threat to the truth of Christianity, Macarius vehemently opposed it. By changing his name, he symbolically demonstrated his resistance to the Arians and his commitment to upholding orthodox doctrine. Macarius attended the Council of Sardica in 343 AD, a significant assembly that aimed to address the growing Arian controversy. This council was an attempt to reconcile the opposing factions within the Church and find a resolution to the doctrinal dispute. Macarius actively participated in the discussions and defended the orthodox belief in the full divinity of Jesus Christ. However, despite his efforts, the Arians gained power in the area, and Macarius was ultimately exiled to Africa as a result of his unwavering opposition to their teachings. He spent the remainder of his days in Africa, continuing to preach and teach the orthodox Christian faith to those around him. Saint Macarius of Petra passed away circa 350 AD, in Africa, as a result of natural causes. His dedication to preserving the orthodox beliefs of the Church earned him a place among the saints. While he has not been officially recognized as a patron saint or known for any specific area of intercession, his steadfast defense of orthodox Christianity remains a testament to his unwavering faith and commitment to Christ. Although Saint Macarius of Petra has not been canonized through the formal process established by the Catholic Church, he holds a significant place in the history of the Church and serves as an example of unwavering faith and commitment to orthodox doctrine in the face of heresy. His feast day is celebrated on June 20th, which highlights his important role in the defense of true Christian teachings.