Roman Armenia (modern Sivas in Eastern Turkey) during
the late 200s and early 300s.
Before becoming the bishop of Sebastae, Blasius was a
skilled doctor. He was martyred during the persecution of
Roman Emperor Licinius in 316 AD.
Saint Blaise was one of the most popular saints in
Medieval times. Many miraculous cures have been
ascribed to his intercession. There is a traditional blessing
of Saint Blaise made on his feast day, in which the faithful
are touched on the throat with two candles.
In the Eastern Churches, his feast is celebrated on
February 11th.