Fast, concise facts and information about Saint Ignatius
The following provides fast and concise facts and information:
- The patron of Churches in the eastern Mediterranean
- Born: c35
- Memorial Day / Feast Day: October 17th formerly February 1st
- Date of Death: Saint Ignatius died in A.D. 107
- Cause of Death: Devoured by lions
Who or what is Saint Ignatius the patron saint of?
Saint Ignatius is the patron of Churches in the eastern Mediterranean. Meanings, definition and origins - a patron is considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a nation. There is a patron for virtually every cause, profession or special interest. Prayers are considered more likely to be answered by asking a patron for intercession on their behalf.
The Story and History of Saint Ignatius
The story and history of Saint Ignatius. He was born in Greece and converted to Christianity by Saint Peter the Apostle who made him the the Bishop of Antioch. Antioch was an important, ancient city located on the site of the modern city of Antakya, Turkey. Saint Ignatius of Antioch lived under the rule of the Roman Emperor Trajan (September 18, 53 – August 9, 117) who reigned from AD98 - AD117. Emperor Trajan persecuted the Christians and Ingnatius was arrested and transported to Rome. The journey to Rome took many months during which time Ignatius wrote six letters to the churches in the region of Antioch. He was sentenced to death in the arena where he was was devoured by lions in the amphitheatre.
Death of Saint Ignatius
There are two categories of saints: martyrs and confessors. A Christian martyr is regarded as one who is put to death for his Christian faith or convictions. Confessors are people who died natural deaths. Date of Death: Saint Ignatius died in A.D. 107. Cause of Death: Devoured by lions.
Why is Saint Ignatius the patron of Churches in the eastern Mediterranean?
Why is Saint Ignatius is the patron of Churches in the eastern Mediterranean? Because of association with this area.
How Saint Ignatius is represented in Christian Art
It is helpful to be able to recognise Saint Ignatius in paintings, stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, architecture and other forms of Christian art. The artistic representations reflect the life or death of saints, or an aspect of life with which the person is most closely associated. Saint Ignatius is represented in Christian Art he appears in the dress of a Greek bishop, and with a lion, or two lions, by his side.
Feast Day of Saint Ignatius
The Feast Day of Saint Ignatius is October 17th. The origin of Feast Days: most saints have specially designated feast days and are associated with a specific day of the year and these are referred to as the saint's feast day. The feast days first arose from the very early Christian custom of the annual commemoration of martyrs on the dates of their deaths at the same time celebrating their birth into heaven.
