On February 2-3, the City of Dubrovnik (Croatia) celebrated the 1050th anniversary of their patron saint, Saint Blaise (Festa Svetog Vlaha), who historically was of Armenian origin. The festivities occurred within the context of the Day of Dubrovnik. The President of Croatia, Members of the Parliament, Mayors, a dozen Ambassadors, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Ashot Hovakimian were the most notable attendees.
Saint Blaise (Blasius, Vlasius, Vlah) was an Armenian Bishop and doctor who lived at the beginning of the 4th century in Sebaste (Sivas, Turkey). After his martyrdom, he became venerated as an all-Christian Saint. After centuries, the Armenian Bishop became the patron saint and protector of the City of Dubrovnik.
His statues are found everywhere in the town, and his portrait appears on the city’s flag. They have preserved the saint’s head, a bit of bone from his throat, hands, and leg at the Church of Saint Vlah. Everyone in Dubrovnik knows that their Sveti Vlah was an Armenian.
Check the full article on Armradio.am.
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