RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL

RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL

                                         ST. BLAISE

         Sebaste was formerly known as Ipayo, its present name was derived from the birthplace of its patron saint, St. Blaise. Just for information, during the medieval time, Sebaste, now Sivas, was the capital of the province of Armenia Minor, now part of Turkey. It was a town of some importance in the early Christian history because apart from St. Blaise, St. Peter of Sebaste, several Patriarchs of Greek and Armenian Orthodox and other prominent people in the early Church were also born in this town. Whatever information surrounds the name of the municipality, what really matters is, Sebaste for years, plays an important role in the religious life of Roman Catholics and Aglipayans in the nearby municipalities and provinces because every 3rd of February, the magnitude of faithful flocks the town to celebrate the feast of St. Blaise. The crowd gathers to line up for the “palapak”, to light candles, offer prayers and join the Eucharist in honor of the miraculous St. Blaise. It is believed that the image of St. Blaise can heal various diseases and prevent calamities