*_February 3rd ~ St Blaise, Bishop and Martyr; Memorial_* Very little is known about Saint Blaise. The earliest mention of his life did not appear until about 200 years after his death, by the medical writer Aëtius Amidenus, who spoke of Saint Blaise’s intercessory power to help dislodge objects stuck in the throat. Whether or not the stories written of him are true, what is certain is that the faithful have devoutly sought his intercession for centuries. That practice continues today in the form of the blessing of throats on his feast day. Legend says that Blaise was an excellent physician in his hometown of Sebaste, Armenia, modern-day Silvas, Turkey. When the Bishop of Sebaste died, Blaise was chosen as the new bishop by the popular acclaim “of all the people.” He was said to be a man of great faith and virtue, caring for his people in both body and soul.