St. Apollonia
| St. Apollonia | |
|---|---|
| Saint | St. Apollonia |
| Stage | Saint |
| Birthdate | c. 200 AD |
| Birthplace | Alexandria, Egypt |
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| Deathdate | c. 249 AD |
| Death Place | Alexandria, Egypt |
| Death Coordinates | |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom by burning |
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| Beatification Date | Not applicable |
| Beatified by | |
| Beatification Location | |
| Canonized | Yes |
| Canonization Date | Recognized since early Christian times; no formal date |
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| Miracle 1 | No specific miracles for canonization recorded |
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| Miracle 3 | |
| Feast Day | February 9 |
| Profession | Deaconess, Virgin |
| Religious Affiliation | |
| Patronage | Dentists, dental diseases, toothaches |
| Attributes | Pincers holding a tooth, tooth, martyr's palm |
| Primary Shrine | Former church of St. Apollonia, Rome (no longer exists) |
| Additional Veneration | Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, and Anglican Churches |
St. Apollonia, a martyr from the 3rd century, was known for her steadfast faith during the persecution of Christians in Alexandria, Egypt[1]. She is particularly venerated as the patron saint of dentistry due to the brutal torture she endured, having her teeth knocked out before being martyred by fire[2]. Her story has made her a symbol of courage and faith in the face of suffering[3].
Biography
Birth
Apollonia was born around 200 AD in Alexandria, Egypt[1].
Early Life
She was known for her chastity, religious devotion, and charitable deeds[4].
Occupation
She served as a deaconess in the early Christian community[1].
Vocation
Her life was dedicated to the service of the Christian community, particularly noted for her role during a time of persecution[2].
Death
She was martyred around 249 AD, choosing to leap into the fire rather than renounce her faith[1].
Significant events
- During the Decian persecution, she was captured and tortured, famously having her teeth extracted[2].
- Her voluntary martyrdom by jumping into the fire is a notable act of her faith[3].
Death
St. Apollonia met her end through martyrdom, choosing to die by fire rather than deny her Christian faith.
Canonization
Servant of God
St. Apollonia was not formally recognized as a Servant of God through modern processes; she was martyred before such systems existed[1].
Venerable
Not applicable; recognized as a saint by tradition[1].
Beatification
Not formally beatified; recognized as a saint by the early Church[1].
Canonization
Canonized by tradition; no formal canonization date as she was recognized as a saint from early Christian times[1].
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No specific miracles are recorded for her beatification since she was recognized as a martyr[1].
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; her sainthood is based on tradition and early Church recognition[1].
Other notable miracles
- She is invoked for the relief of toothaches and dental issues, though specific miracles are not widely documented[3].
Patronage
St. Apollonia is the patron saint of dentists, dental diseases, and those suffering from toothaches[1].
Feast day
Her feast day is celebrated on February 9[1].
Veneration
St. Apollonia is widely venerated in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, and Anglican traditions. Her relics were once held in a church in Rome, but she is now remembered through various artworks and devotional items related to dentistry[3]. Her intercession is sought for dental health and comfort during dental procedures[1].
Books
Written about the saint
- Her martyrdom and life are recounted in hagiographies, but no specific modern books were listed[3].
Written by the saint
- St. Apollonia did not leave any known written works[3].
External links
- Catholic Online article on St. Apollonia[1]
- New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Apollonia[2]
- Wikipedia entry on Saint Apollonia[3]
- Virtual Dental Museum on St. Apollonia[4]