3rd century
Saint Christopher the Great Martyr
Third-century martyr who, according to tradition, carried travellers on his shoulders across a dangerous river and was put to death under Decius.
Biography
According to tradition, Christopher came from a semi-barbarian people and was originally named Reprobus; he was a man of giant stature and fearsome appearance. He was taken captive in war, enlisted in the Roman legions and served as a soldier, probably in the time of Emperor Decius.
According to the well-known legend, before his baptism he devoted himself to carrying travellers for free on his shoulders across a dangerous river. One day he carried a child who grew heavier and heavier; on reaching the far bank, the child revealed himself to be Christ. Reprobus was baptised and took the name Christopher ("Christ-bearer"). According to tradition, he was later put to death for his faith under Decius.