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
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].