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t. Blase  was  born  at  Sebaste,  Armenia. He became a  physician,  but  at  the  same  time  devoted himself  zealously  to  the  practice  of  his Christian duties. His virtuous  conduct  gained for him  the  esteem  of  the  Christian  clergy  and people to  such  a  degree,  that  he  was  elected  bishop of his  native  city. Henceforth he  devoted  himself to  ward  off  the  dangers  of  soul  from  the faithful, as  he  had  hitherto  been  intent  on  healing their  bodily  ills. To all,  he  was  a  shining  example of  virtue.

During the  reign  of  Emperor  Licinius  a  cruel persecution of  Christians  broke  out. The persecutors directed  their  fury  principally  against  the bishops, well  knowing  that  when  the  shepherd  is stricken  the  flock  is  dispersed. Listening to  the entreaties of  the  faithful,  and  mindful  of  the words of  Our  Lord,  "When  they  shall  persecute you  in  this  city,  flee  into  another"  (Matt.  x.  23), St. Blase hid  himself  in  a  cave. But one  day  the prefect Agricola  instituted  a  chase,  and  his  party discovered the  holy  bishop  and  brought  him  before their  master.

St. Blase  remained  steadfast  in  the  Faith,  and