Saint Severian

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Saint Severian
Feast Day	September 09
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Caesarea, Cappadocia, martyrs
Birthplace	Caesarea, Cappadocia
Death Place	Caesarea, Cappadocia
Cause of Death	Martyrdom (execution)
Primary Shrine	Basilica of Saint Severian, Caesarea, Turkey

Saint Severian (died c. 320) was a Christian saint and martyr, traditionally regarded as a senator or nobleman from Caesarea, Cappadocia, in the Roman Empire. Serving as a lay Christian, he was executed during the persecutions of Emperor Licinius for his faith, under the Diocese of Caesarea. His steadfast courage and reported miracles strengthened the early Church in Cappadocia. Canonized by pre-congregation recognition, his feast day on September 9 in the Roman Rite draws devotion to his memory in Caesarea, Turkey.

Saint Severian’s martyrdom inspired perseverance among Christians facing persecution. His intercession is sought by the faithful of Cappadocia, and his legacy endures through veneration in the region and beyond.

Biography

Birth

Saint Severian was born in the 3rd century in Caesarea, Cappadocia, Roman Empire, likely to a noble or senatorial family. His birthplace, a prominent Christian center under the Diocese of Caesarea, was known for its theological vitality. The Roman Empire’s religious tensions shaped his faith.

Baptized in a local Parish, Severian was raised in a Christian household. His status positioned him for public life and eventual martyrdom.

Early Life

Growing up in Caesarea, Saint Severian was educated in rhetoric and philosophy, befitting his noble status. He openly practiced Christianity, supporting the Church in Caesarea and nearby Sebaste, under the Diocese of Caesarea. During Licinius’ persecutions c. 320, he was arrested for his faith.

His boldness drew persecution. Severian’s early life of lay ministry prepared him for his ultimate sacrifice.

Occupation

Saint Severian’s primary occupation was as a lay Christian, possibly a senator, in Caesarea. He used his influence to aid Christians, providing alms and defending the faith, overseen by the Diocese of Caesarea. His public role made him a target during persecutions.

His “occupation” involved charitable and evangelical work. His efforts reflected the Roman Rite’s call to witness.

Vocation

Saint Severian’s vocation was his lay Christian witness, centered on upholding the faith amid persecution. In Caesarea, he encouraged believers, strengthening the Diocese of Caesarea. Arrested c. 320, he was tortured and executed, possibly by hanging or beheading, for refusing to renounce Christianity.

His martyrdom rallied the faithful. Severian’s vocation as a martyr made him a beacon of courage.

Death

Saint Severian met his end around 320, by martyrdom, executed in Caesarea, Cappadocia. Killed for his faith, his death was witnessed by the Diocese of Caesarea, inspiring Christians. His body was buried in a local church.

Miracles were reported at his tomb, and his relics in the Basilica of Saint Severian remain a pilgrimage site.

Significant events

• Supported Christians in Sebaste c. 315.
• Arrested in Caesarea c. 320.
• Martyred in Caesarea c. 320.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Caesarea, Cappadocia
• Death location: Caesarea, Cappadocia
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Parishes

Saint Severian
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Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Saint Severian as a Servant of God was not formalized, as his sanctity was acknowledged by the early Church. His martyrdom and miracles were attested by tradition.

Venerable

Saint Severian was not declared Venerable, as his canonization predated this stage. His heroic virtue was affirmed by his sacrifice.

Beatification

Saint Severian did not undergo formal beatification due to pre-congregation canonization. His miracles, like healing a sick woman, sufficed for veneration.

Canonization

Canonized by pre-congregation recognition, Saint Severian’s sainthood was affirmed by the early Church based on his martyrdom and miracles. His universal veneration was established by the Roman Rite, with his feast day set for September 9.

Miracles

Miracle for beatification

No formal beatification miracle was recorded due to pre-congregation canonization. Tradition credits Saint Severian with healing a sick woman in Caesarea during his lifetime. She recovered after his prayers, a miracle attested by the Diocese of Caesarea.

This event strengthened his reputation. It inspired devotion in Cappadocia.

Miracle for canonization

No formal canonization miracle was required, but a notable miracle involves the protection of a Christian community in Caesarea from attack after his martyrdom. Prayers at his tomb repelled assailants, a miracle verified by the Diocese of Caesarea.

This miracle spread his veneration, reinforcing his sainthood. His relics became a pilgrimage site.

Other notable miracles

• Healing of a lame man in Sebaste.
• Protection of a church during a fire in Caesarea.

Patronage

Saint Severian is the patron saint of Caesarea, Cappadocia, and martyrs.

Feast day

His feast day is celebrated on September 9 in the Roman Rite, honoring his martyrdom.

Veneration

Saint Severian is venerated through prayers, pilgrimages to his relics in the Basilica of Saint Severian, Caesarea, Turkey, and devotion among martyrs and Cappadocian Christians. His relics, including bones, are revered. He is depicted in art with a palm branch and senator’s robes, notably in Eastern churches. His life influences Christian resilience.

Books

Written about the saint

• Martyrs of the Early Church
• Saints of Asia Minor by TAN Books

Written by the saint

• No known writings attributed to Saint Severian.

External links

• CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Severian
• Catholic.org: St. Severian
• AnastPaul: Saint of the Day