Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Blaise the Hieromartyr in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Blaise came from Sevastia of Pontus and lived in the years of the emperor Licinius. He studied medicine and helped patients without receiving any money. At the same time, he studied the Bible diligently and tried to spread the Christian faith to others. Blaise was later elected bishop of Sebastia but he resigned and went for asceticism on Mount Argaio.

As soon as the persecution of the Christians broke out, he was arrested by the prefect Agrikola and suffered horrible tortures. Eventually, he was martyred by beheading. Saint Blaise is the patron saint of Xylokastro in Corinth. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates him on February 11 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Blaise the Hieromartyr

Fourth Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Blaise. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.