Saint Christopher

Saint Christopher’s birthplace is not known, and the details of his life come to us through ancient Christian tradition. Remembered as a martyr of the early Church, he is said to have suffered death under Roman persecution in the third century. Legend calls him Reprobus, a fearsome and powerful man who set out to serve the greatest king. Learning that even the devil fears Christ, he sought the Lord instead and was instructed in the faith by a hermit. Unable to embrace long fasts and prayers, Christopher offered his strength in humble charity, carrying travelers across a dangerous river. One night he bore a small child whose weight seemed like the whole world—until the child revealed Himself as Christ, the One Christopher had been carrying. From this “Christ-bearer” story he became beloved as the patron of travelers and is honored in places such as Agrinio and Centro Habana. Tradition also tells of his steadfast witness, converting many and refusing to sacrifice to idols, before being put to death. His feast day is May 22.