Babylas of Antioch
Babylas of Antioch was a Syrian patriarch of Antioch who died in prison during the Decian persecution in 253. He is remembered as a martyr and for being the first saint whose remains were translated for religious purposes, a practice that became common in later centuries.
- Feast Day
- 24 January
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Syria
Key Facts
- ›He served as the twelfth bishop of Antioch from 237 to 253.
- ›Babylas died in prison during the Decian persecution in 250.
- ›He is venerated as a martyr in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, with a feast day on September 4.
- ›In the Roman Rite, his feast day is observed on January 24.
- ›Babylas is the first saint recorded to have had his remains translated for religious purposes.
- ›In 351, his remains were moved to a new church built in his honor at Daphne, a suburb of Antioch.
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Eastern Orthodox Church, Eastern Catholic Churches, Roman Rite
About 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 legacy are primarily understood through the lens of early Christian martyrdom and the developing practices of saint veneration.
Life and historical context
Babylas succeeded Zebinnus as Bishop of Antioch during the reign of Emperor Gordian III. He is known for his unwavering confession of faith during the Decian persecution in 250 AD. This steadfastness led to his imprisonment, where he ultimately died from his sufferings, thus earning him veneration as a martyr.
A notable incident, recounted by John Chrysostom and the Acts of the Martyrs, describes Babylas refusing a visiting pagan emperor permission to enter the church due to his perceived sinful ways, ordering him instead to stand among the penitents. While John Chrysostom does not name the emperor, the Acts mention Numerian, though Eusebius suggests it was more likely Philip the Arab, whom a bishop barred from an Easter vigil gathering. Later legends elaborate that Babylas demanded penance from Philip for his alleged role in the murder of young Gordian III before allowing him to celebrate Easter.
Veneration and relic translation
Babylas holds the distinction of being the first saint recorded as having his remains translated (moved) for religious purposes. In 351, Caesar Constantius Gallus built a church in his honor at Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, and transferred Babylas's remains to it. This act was intended to counter the influence of a nearby pagan temple of Apollo.
According to John Chrysostom, when Emperor Julian consulted the oracle of Apollo at Daphne in 362, he received no response, with the oracle attributing the silence to Babylas's presence. In response, Julian had the martyr's sarcophagus exhumed and returned to its original burial site. Shortly after, a fire destroyed the temple of Apollo. Julian suspected Christians, but accounts vary on the cause, with Ammianus Marcellinus citing a "frivolous rumor" of candles, and John Chrysostom claiming lightning. The remains of Babylas were reinterred in a church dedicated to him across the Orontes River. This event highlights the growing importance of saintly relics and the Christian appropriation of pagan sites.
Legacy
The practice of translating saintly remains, first recorded with Babylas, became a routine aspect of medieval Christian devotion. In later centuries, during the Middle Ages, the remains of Babylas are said to have been moved to Cremona. His feast day is observed on September 4 in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, and on January 24 in the Roman Rite.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Babylas of Antioch?
Babylas of Antioch was a Syrian patriarch of Antioch who served as bishop from 237 to 253. He is recognized as a martyr in several Christian traditions.
When and why did Babylas die?
Babylas died in prison in 253 due to his sufferings during the Decian persecution. He made an unwavering confession of faith during this period.
What is significant about Babylas's remains?
Babylas is the first saint recorded to have had his remains translated (moved) for religious purposes. This practice became very common in later centuries.
What is the story of Babylas and the Roman Emperor?
According to tradition, Babylas once refused entry to a visiting pagan emperor due to his sinful ways, ordering him to stand with the penitents. While John Chrysostom doesn't name the emperor, later legends suggest it was Philip the Arab, who was reportedly made to do penance for his part in the murder of Gordian III.
When is the feast day of Babylas of Antioch?
In the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine rite, his feast day is on September 4. In the Roman Rite, it is on January 24.
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