Alexander of Comana
Alexander of Comana, also known as Alexander Carbonarius, was a bishop of Comana in Pontus who lived in the 3rd century. He is chiefly remembered for his humility, having taken up charcoal burning to avoid worldly honors, and for his accidental discovery as a saint by Gregory Thaumaturgus. He was martyred by being burned to death during the persecution of Decius.
- Feast Day
- 11
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Pontus
Key Facts
- ›He was the Bishop of Comana in Pontus.
- ›His epithet 'Carbonarius' means 'the charcoal burner'.
- ›He chose to burn charcoal out of humility to escape worldly honors.
- ›His virtues were discovered accidentally by St. Gregory Thaumaturgus.
- ›He was burned to death during the persecution carried out by Emperor Decius.
- ›His life is primarily known through a discourse by St. Gregory of Nyssa.
Alexander Carbonarius, Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Ἀνθρακεὺς
About Alexander of Comana
Saint Alexander of Comana
Saint Alexander of Comana, also known by the epithet Alexander Carbonarius, meaning "the charcoal burner," served as the Bishop of Comana in Pontus. The exact date of his succession to this see is unknown. His distinctive epithet stemmed from his profound humility; he had taken up the arduous work of burning charcoal as a means to avoid worldly honors and recognition, a practice that left him notably dirty.
Life and Ministry
Alexander was described as a philosopher, though this designation may not refer to a literal academic pursuit. His philosophy was characterized by a strong preference for spiritual and heavenly matters over earthly concerns. The discovery of his saintly virtues was serendipitous, occurring due to the very contempt with which he was generally regarded. St. Gregory Thaumaturgus was once tasked with selecting a bishop for Comana. After rejecting all presented candidates, a suggestion was made derisively to consider Alexander, the charcoal burner. Gregory, however, took this suggestion seriously, summoned Alexander, and was impressed to find a man of great capabilities and saintly character. Alexander was subsequently appointed bishop and administered his diocese with considerable wisdom.
Martyrdom and Legacy
Alexander's life and episcopal service were tragically cut short. He was martyred by being burned to death during the severe persecution of Christians initiated by Emperor Decius. His existence and the circumstances of his elevation to bishop might have remained obscure had it not been for a discourse by St. Gregory of Nyssa, which incidentally described the election of Alexander in a life of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus. Alexander's feast day is kept on August 11 by Roman Catholics and on August 12 by Orthodox Christians.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alexander of Comana?
Alexander of Comana was a bishop of Comana in Pontus during the 3rd century. He is also known as Alexander Carbonarius, meaning 'the charcoal burner', due to his humble occupation.
Why is Alexander of Comana called 'the charcoal burner'?
He was called Alexander Carbonarius because he chose to work as a charcoal burner out of humility, in order to avoid worldly honors. This work also resulted in him being exceptionally dirty.
How was Alexander discovered to be a saint?
His virtues were discovered accidentally when St. Gregory Thaumaturgus was asked to select a bishop for Comana. When all other candidates were rejected, someone suggested Alexander derisively, but Gregory took him seriously and recognized his saintly nature and capabilities.
What happened to Alexander of Comana?
Alexander was made bishop of Comana and administered the see with wisdom. He was martyred by being burned to death during the persecution carried out by Emperor Decius.
When is the feast day of Alexander of Comana?
His feast day is observed on August 11 by Roman Catholics and on August 12 among Orthodox Christians.
Related Saints
Magnus of Anagni
Saint Magnus of Anagni, also known as Magnus of Trani, is venerated as the patron saint of Anagni, Italy. His historical identity is uncertain, with hagiographers suggesting a combination of a paleo-Christian martyr from Lazio and a Lombard bishop of Trani. He is chiefly remembered for his legendary missionary work and martyrdom, and his cult became intertwined with various historical and literary traditions.
Pope Sixtus II
Pope Sixtus II was the bishop of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258. He is remembered as a martyr who was beheaded during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian. Sixtus II played a role in restoring relations with the African and Eastern churches.
Agathonicus
Saint Agathonicus was a 3rd-century Christian from Nicomedia who taught Christianity in Greece. He is remembered for his martyrdom alongside his companions during the persecution of Christians ordered by Emperor Maximian. Agathonicus and his followers were tortured and ultimately beheaded in Thrace.