Babylas
Babylas of Antioch was a Syrian patriarch of Antioch who died as a martyr in prison during the Decian persecution in 253. He is historically significant as the first saint whose remains were translated for religious purposes, a practice that became widespread. His feast day is celebrated on September 4th in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches and on January 24th in the Roman Rite.
Key Facts
- ›Patriarch of Antioch from 237 to 253.
- ›Died in prison during the Decian persecution in 253.
- ›Venerated as a martyr in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions.
- ›First recorded saint whose remains were translated for religious purposes.
- ›Refused entry to a visiting pagan emperor due to his sinful ways.
- ›His remains were moved to a church in Daphne, Antioch, in 351, and later exhumed by Emperor Julian.
- First Recorded Saint Whose Remains Were Translated For Religious Purposes.
About Babylas
Babylas of Antioch
Babylas of Antioch (died 253) was a Syrian patriarch who served as the twelfth bishop of Antioch from 237 to 253. His life and death are marked by his steadfast faith during a period of intense Christian persecution.
Life and Historical Context
Serving as Bishop of Antioch during the reign of Emperor Gordian III, Babylas faced the Decian persecution in 250. During this time, he made an "unwavering confession of faith" and was subsequently imprisoned, where he ultimately died from his sufferings. This martyrdom led to his veneration as a saint.
One notable account, reported by John Chrysostom and the Acts of the Martyrs, describes Babylas refusing a visiting pagan emperor permission to enter the church due to his sinful ways, ordering him to join the penitents. While the emperor's name is not provided by Chrysostom, the Acts mention Numerian, though it is more likely the contemporary Philip the Arab, as Eusebius reports a bishop refusing him entry to a Christian gathering.
Veneration and Legacy
Babylas is historically significant as the first saint whose remains were translated (moved) for religious purposes, a practice that became widespread in later centuries. In 351, Caesar Constantius Gallus built a new church in his honor at Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, and transferred Babylas's remains there, intending to counteract the pagan influence of the nearby temple of Apollo.
According to Chrysostom, when Emperor Julian consulted the oracle of Apollo at Daphne in 362, he received no answer. The oracle attributed this silence to the proximity of Babylas. Julian then had the sarcophagus of the martyr exhumed and returned to its original burial place. Shortly thereafter, a fire destroyed the temple of Apollo. While Julian suspected Christians, Ammianus Marcellinus attributes it to a "frivolous rumor" about candles, and John Chrysostom claimed lightning was the cause. The remains of Babylas were subsequently reinterred in a church dedicated to him across the Orontes River.
Feast Day
Babylas of Antioch is commemorated on September 4th in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. In the Roman Rite, his feast day is observed on January 24th.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Babylas of Antioch?
Babylas of Antioch was a Syrian patriarch who served as the bishop of Antioch from 237 to 253. He is recognized for his unwavering confession of faith during the Decian persecution, which led to his imprisonment and eventual death.
When did Babylas of Antioch die?
Babylas of Antioch died in 253 AD. He died in prison as a result of his sufferings during the Decian persecution, and is therefore venerated as a martyr.
What is Babylas of Antioch most known for historically?
Babylas of Antioch holds the distinction of being the first saint recorded as having had his remains translated (moved) for religious purposes. This practice became extremely common in later centuries.
When is the feast day of Babylas of Antioch?
The feast day of Babylas of Antioch is celebrated on September 4th in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine rite. In the Roman Rite, his feast day is observed on January 24th.
Related Archbishops
Ignatius of Antioch
Ignatius of Antioch, also known as Ignatius Theophorus, was an early Christian writer and the Patriarch of Antioch. He is considered one of the most important Apostolic Fathers, known for his letters written while en route to his martyrdom in Rome. His correspondence offers insights into early Christian theology, particularly concerning ecclesiology, sacraments, and the role of bishops.
Flavian I
Flavian I of Antioch was a Patriarch of Antioch from 381 until his death in 404. He was a significant figure in the orthodox Christian movement, supporting the Faith against Arianism and working to heal the schism within the Church of Antioch. Flavian is posthumously venerated as a Saint in both Western and Eastern churches.
Ignatius Aphrem II
Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, born Sa'id Karim, is the current Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, serving since May 29, 2014. He is a Syrian-American prelate known for his advocacy for Syria and its people, his extensive apostolic visits, and his role in inter-church unity initiatives. Prior to becoming Patriarch, he served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Eastern United States.