- Memorial Day / Feast Day: July 17th
- Date of Death: Saint Alexis died in 400
- Cause of Death: Hunger and Neglect
Who or what is Saint Alexis the patron saint of?
Saint Alexis is the patron of pilgrims and beggars. 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 Alexis
The story and history of Saint Alexis. St. Alexis belonged to one of the first families of Rome. From his youth he devoted himself to the service of God, and under his rich silk garments Alexis wore a hair shirt. When his parents chose a beautiful bride for him, he, not daring to disobey their wishes, disappeared on the bridal morn. "Behold," said the bride, "he came into my chamber, and gave me this ring of gold, and this girdle of precious stones, and this veil of purple, and then he bade me farewell, and I know not whither he has gone." The entire household went into mourning for him. Meantime he put on a pilgrimage travelling to Mesopotamia, where he ministered to the sick, and lived in great poverty and humility. After long years he returned to his father, who, not knowing him, ordered him to be taken in out of pity, and the servants put him in a hole under the stairs. Presently, when it was revealed to his father in a dream who he was, he looked in upon him, but, he was too late; for Alexis had died of neglect and hunger. Hence he is the patron of pilgrims and beggars. The church dedicated to him at Rome stands on the site of his father's mansion. Pictures of St. Alexis are frequently seen in hospitals and refuges for the poor.
Death of Saint Alexis
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 Alexis died in 400. Cause of Death: Hunger and Neglect.
Why is Saint Alexis the patron of pilgrims and beggars?
Why is Saint Alexis is the patron of pilgrims and beggars? His pilgrimage to Mesopotamia and he died the death of a beggar.
How Saint Alexis is represented in Christian Art
It is helpful to be able to recognise Saint Alexis 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 Alexis is represented in Christian Art always dressed in ragged attire.
Feast Day of Saint Alexis
The Feast Day of Saint Alexis is July 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.
