St. Blaise was born in Sebaste, Armenia. When he grew up he became a physician. While he was dedicated in his profession he was at the same time devoted to the practice of the duties of his Catholic Faith. His virtues won for him the esteem of both the clergy and people to such a degree, that he was elected bishop of his native city. From then on, Blaise zealously gave of himself to all of his faithful - warding off the dangers to their souls, just as he had once protected them against the diseases of the body. Above all else that he gave, his people received most in his shining and saintly example of virtue. From then on, He was as intent in healing and protecting the souls of the faithful from spiritual illness as he had been to cure them of their physical sicknesses.

Then, during the reign of Emperor Licinius a cruel persecution against the Catholics broke out. The enemies of the Church directed their fury especially against the bishops, because they knew well that when the shepherd is struck the flock is scattered. The Catholics of Sebaste pleaded with their holy bishop Blaise to protect himself. The sacrifice would be easier for them, if they knew their bishop was alive. After much prayer, Blaise listened to their entreaties and, being mindful of the words of Our Lord, "When they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another", left the city and hid himself in a cave.

But one day the prefect Agricola sent a group of men to find him, and they discovered his hiding place. Seeing in this the will of God, the bishop allowed himself to be brought before their pagan master. Of course Agricola tried to make the holy man deny his Catholic Faith. But Blaise remained steadfast. In fact, he confessed and defended his Faith so well, that it attracted the attention and admiration of those who had come to his trial.

Angered at this humiliation, the cruel tyrant had the bishop bound and tortured with iron combs. After suffering these long torments with great patience and meekness, the saint was cast into prison. The prefect had Blaise kept there for a long time, in the hopes that he would grow weak and that his will would be broken. Agricola was determined to have the well loved bishop offer sacrifice to the idols.

The jailer allowed the holy bishop to receive visitors in his prison. When the people learned of this, many of the sick and suffering took advantage of this privilege. To some, Blaise gave consoling wisdom and strength in their difficulties. To others, the saint was able to cure them of their physical ailments. It was actually one of these miraculous cures that made St. Blaise forever after a special patron of those with throat troubles.

One day a mother came to him with her young boy. The child was evidently in a lot of pain, and the mother, through tears, explained how he had swallowed a fishbone while eating. The hard bone, however, was still stuck in her son’s throat and was already beginning to suffocate him. The bishop Blaise prayed and made the Sign of the Cross over the boy. At the saint’s blessing, the young child was overjoyed to find that he was totally cured.

In time, the holy bishop was again brought before the judge and commanded to sacrifice to the idols. But Blaise responded:

"You are blind, because you are not illuminated by the true light. How can a man sacrifice to idols, when he adores the true God alone? I do not fear your threats. Do with me what you wish. My body is in your power, but God alone has power over my soul. You seek salvation with the idols; I hope and trust to receive it from the only true and living God whom I adore."

The prefect then sentenced the brave bishop to death. St. Blaise was beheaded, suffering death for the Faith on February 3, 316. On that day, the Catholics of Sebaste, Armenia had great cause to rejoice - for their holy pastor, having gone before them into the joys of Heaven, had now become their powerful and loving patron.