Saint Ananias of Damascus

According to the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Ananias of Damascus was the Jew who visited Paul in the house of Judah, restored his vision with the laying on of his hands and baptized him. Around 34 AD, with the conversion of Saul, Ananias also converted to Christianity. Although there is no evidence that the apostles consecrated bishops in this period, a late Byzantine tradition includes Ananias among the 70 disciples and presents him as the first bishop of Damascus.

Paul, in his account, describes Ananias as a pious man according to the law, highly respected in the Church of Damascus. From his conversion, he would have evangelized the region of Eleutheropolis (Bet-Jibrin) in southern Palestine. According to tradition, Ananias was martyred on October 10, 70 AD, by order of Licinius (or Lucian). The Latin Church celebrates his feast on January 25th, while the Greek Church, according to Eastern tradition, celebrates it on October 10th.

An Underground Chapel

In Damascus, at the east gate, there is an underground chapel that was part of a Byzantine basilica, now destroyed, but which is still revered by Christians and Muslims, like the house where Ananias lived. Some sources say that he converted Izate, son of the king of Adiabene, Monobazo, and that he could have been a layman, a deacon or a priest.

Ananias of Damascus is considered one of the first martyrs of Christianity, being an important figure for the Christian religion. Its history and legacy are sources of inspiration for many followers of this faith.

References:

• https://www.arquidiocesebh.org.br/sobre-o-santo-ananias-de-damasco/
• https://www.santopedia.com/santo-ananias-de-damasco/