Publius
Saint Publius was an early Christian bishop and the first recorded Bishop of Malta, venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is chiefly remembered for his pivotal role in the early Christianization of Malta, as described in the Book of Acts where he hosted and was healed by Saint Paul the Apostle. Publius is considered Malta's first canonized saint and a significant figure in the island's religious history.
Key Facts
- ›He is considered the first Bishop of Malta and one of the first Bishops of Athens.
- ›The Book of Acts describes him as the 'chief' or prince of Malta.
- ›Maltese Christian tradition holds that his conversion led to Malta being the first Christian nation in the West.
- ›According to Christian tradition, he received Paul the Apostle during his shipwreck on Malta.
- ›He was martyred around 125, during the persecution of Emperor Hadrian.
- ›He is one of the three patron saints of Malta.
Publius of Malta, Publius of Athens, San Publiju, Πούπλιος
Floriana, Malta
About Publius
Saint Publius
Saint Publius, also known as Publius of Malta or Publius of Athens, holds a significant place in early Christian history, particularly in relation to Malta and Athens. He is recognized as an early Christian bishop and saint, venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. His primary association is with Malta, where he is considered the first Bishop and Malta's first canonised saint.
Historical and Traditional Accounts
According to the Acts of the Apostles, Publius was the 'chief' or prince of Malta when Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked on the island. The biblical account details how Paul, after arriving, visited Publius' father who was suffering from fever and dysentery, and healed him. This event is described in Acts 28:7–10, where Publius is depicted as cordially hosting Paul and his companions.
Maltese Christian tradition further emphasizes Publius' importance, asserting that his conversion led to Malta becoming the first Christian nation in the West. He is believed to have been martyred around 125 AD, during the persecutions under Emperor Hadrian. However, some traditions place his martyrdom date differently, with the Catholic Church dating it to c. 112 and the Eastern Orthodox Church to the period of persecution under Marcus Aurelius.
Veneration and Legacy
Publius is venerated with different feast days in the major Christian traditions: January 22 in the Catholic Church and March 13 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Catholic tradition, he is seen as the successor of Dionysius the Areopagite. He is honored as one of the three patron saints of Malta, alongside Saint Paul the Apostle and Saint Agatha of Sicily, and is also the patron saint of Floriana.
In recent times, there has been a cultural reemergence of interest in Saint Publius. Historians and cultural commentators have highlighted his elevation as a distinctly Maltese symbol of victory in post-1565 literature, suggesting a cultural reclamation of his importance. Contemporary calls aim to re-embed him more firmly in Malta's national and ecclesiastical memory, particularly around the 1900th anniversary of his martyrdom.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Publius?
Saint Publius was an early Christian bishop and saint, considered the first Bishop of Malta and one of the first Bishops of Athens. He is described in the Book of Acts as the 'chief' or prince of Malta.
What is Saint Publius chiefly remembered for?
He is chiefly remembered for his role in the early Christianization of Malta, hosting Saint Paul the Apostle during his shipwreck, and for being Malta's first canonized saint. Tradition holds that his conversion led to Malta becoming the first Christian nation in the West.
When was Saint Publius martyred?
According to tradition, Publius was martyred around 125 AD, during the persecution of Emperor Hadrian. However, some traditions place his martyrdom earlier, around 112 AD, or during the persecution under Marcus Aurelius.
What are the feast days for Saint Publius?
In the Catholic Church, his feast day is celebrated on January 22nd. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, his feast day is observed on March 13th.
Is Saint Publius a patron saint?
Yes, Publius is the patron saint of Floriana and one of the three patron saints of Malta, alongside Saint Paul the Apostle and Saint Agatha of Sicily.
Related Saints
George Preca
George Preca was a Maltese Catholic priest and founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine. He is remembered for his pastoral care, religious teaching, and for composing the "Mysteries of Light" for the Rosary, which influenced later papal teachings. Pope John Paul II referred to him as "Malta’s second father in faith."
George
Saint George was an early Christian martyr and soldier in the Roman army, venerated for his refusal to recant his faith and his heroic legend. He is especially remembered for the legend of Saint George and the Dragon and his patronage of numerous countries and cities.
Agatha of Sicily
Agatha of Sicily was an early Christian virgin and martyr, venerated for her steadfast faith during Roman persecutions. She is remembered for her suffering and triumph over torture, becoming a significant figure in Christian hagiography and a patron saint for various causes.