● Memorial Day Orthodox/Catholic: April 11
● Name means: the substitute father (from Greek)
● Bishop of Pergamum, Martyr
● Patron: of the dentists
● Died around 68 in Pergamon, today Bergama, Turkey
Saint Antipas was a bishop who lived during the time of the apostles and was called by them to
lead the church in Pergamum. He was well-known for his powerful prayers that were said to
have driven demons out of the city. As a result, pagan offerings to their idols lost all their power,
which left the pagans infuriated.
During the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian around 83 AD, Antipas was arrested and
brought before the governor during a period of great persecution for Christians. The governor
attempted to coerce Antipas into renouncing his belief in Christ by pointing out that pagan gods
were ancient and therefore deserved more reverence than the new religion propagated by
mere fishermen.
In response, Antipas argued that although pagan beliefs were older, they were ultimately
inferior to the revelation of the full truth he received as a Christian. He drew upon the biblical
example of Cain, who despite being Adam’s firstborn, was deemed a murderer and unworthy of
respect. With this statement, the pagans became enraged and subjected Antipas to a gruesome
death.
They threw the saint into a burning bull that had been heated to a searing temperature. Despite
the excruciating pain, Saint Antipas did not waver in his faith. From within the inferno, he lifted
a fervent prayer of gratitude to the Lord for allowing him to suffer as a testimony of His love,
which was more powerful than death itself. He also prayed for all those who would call upon
him in the future to intercede on their behalf.
After his death, Christians buried Antipas in the church of Pergamum, where for many years his
tomb emitted a miraculous oil known as myron. This phenomenon made his resting place a
popular destination for Christian pilgrims seeking the blessings and intercession of the martyred
bishop.
