Saint Christopher

Saint Christopher is a legendary figure, and the stories about him do not agree on when or where he lived. His birthplace is placed in Marmarica, west of Egypt, in Asia Minor, or in Barbaria, and his martyrdom is set in the reign of Decius, Diocletian, or Maximinus Daza, most often in Lycia, in present-day Turkey. The earliest firm evidence of his cult is a shrine consecrated near Chalcedon in 452, and the oldest surviving text of his acts dates to the eighth century. Both Eastern and Western traditions say that Christopher was not his first name but one he took or was given after becoming a Christian. It is Greek for "Christ-bearer."

The Eastern tradition describes him before his conversion as ferocious and even dog-headed, while the Western tradition stresses his giant size and rough manners. The best-known story is told only from the thirteenth century, in the Golden Legend, and may have grown out of medieval pictures showing him carrying the child Jesus. In that story his name was Reprobus, a giant who wanted to serve the mightiest king in the world. He saw that his king made the sign of the cross whenever the devil was named, so he left to serve the devil instead. Then he saw the devil turn aside at a roadside cross, and he went off to look for Christ.

A hermit advised him to settle by a dangerous river and use his strength to carry travelers across, a service Christ would welcome. One day a child's voice asked for help. The giant lifted the boy onto his shoulders and waded into the rushing water, but with each step the weight grew, until he barely reached the far bank. There the child revealed that he was Jesus and that the burden had been the whole world. In pictures, the child often holds a globe in his hand.

Tradition says Christopher was martyred on 25 July at Samo in Lycia. In the Middle Ages he was one of the most venerated saints, counted among the Fourteen Holy Helpers, with churches built in his honor in both East and West and an especially strong cult in Austria, Dalmatia, and Spain. He became the protector of travelers, and of many others who journey or carry loads.

Saint Christopher, pray for us.