Saint Varus
Varus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Martyr | |
| Born | Unknown Egypt |
| Died | c. 304 Alexandria |
| Venerated in | Coptic Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church |
| Feast |
|
| Attributes | Martyr;Soldierholding a cross. |
| Patronage | Unbaptized who die outside the Church; Unbaptized Children |
Saint Varus(GreekΟὔαρος) (died ca. 304,Alexandria,Egypt) was an early Christiansaint,soldier andmartyr.
Biography
[edit]According to his generally reliable and authentic Acts, he was a soldier stationed inUpper Egyptwho had the task of guarding a group of 7monksawaiting execution. It is stated that Varus was already a Christian at this point, but had weak faith. After witnessing one of the monks perish, the faith of Varus became reinvigorated, and he joined the monks. For this, Varus was tortured, and had his bodyhung from a tree.
Veneration
[edit]During theTime of Troubles,many children ofRussian Orthodoxfamilies were dying before they could be baptized. This ledPatriarch Hermogenes of Moscowto declare that theCanonof Saint Varus should be sung in churches on behalf of dead, unbaptized children. This makes Varus a popular saint inRussia,as he is remembered as an intercessor on behalf of the suffering Russian people.
See also
[edit]- Saint Cleopatra— witnessed the suffering and execution of Saint Varus.
- Lectionary 211
- October 19 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
External links and references
[edit]- The Life of Holy Martyr Varus. Reprinted From Orthodox Life Vol. 44, No5 - October 1994
- Catholic saints: St. Varus
- The Cult of St. Varus
- Varys the Martyr
