Hieromartyr
Blaise the Hieromartyr of Sebastia
New Calendar February 11 Old Calendar February 24
Why they are a saint
He was born in the province of Armenia, and was a physician by profession. Such was his reputation for holiness that his fellow-citizens elected him Bishop of Sebaste in eastern Anatolia. Venerated as a hieromartyr, a clergyman who was put to death for the faith in Christ.
Life
Saint Blaise (Blasius) was chosen by the people and consecrated Bishop of Sebaste in the time of Diocletian and Licinius. He encouraged his flock and visited the imprisoned martyrs, and in time of persecution hid in a cave on Mount Argeos, where wild beasts waited meekly for his blessing and he healed sick animals.
Discovered by hunters of the governor Agrilaus, he went willingly with the soldiers, healing the sick along the way. After tortures he was beheaded about the year 316, having prayed for the whole world and for those who would honour his memory. His relics were brought to the West at the time of the Crusades.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says he is prayed to for the health of domestic animals and for protection from wild beasts.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for throat ailments. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Blaise the Hieromartyr of Sebastia, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.