HISTORY

TODAY WE CELEBRATE ALEXIUS OF ROME: Known as the Man of God and the Patron of Beggars, Caregivers, and Travelers!

by Serbian Times30. March 2025.30. March 2025.

The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Alexius of Rome today, a saint also known as the “Man of God.” His veneration was strong among both Eastern and Western Christians.

Saint Alexius was born in Rome during the reign of Emperor Honorius, into a very wealthy and distinguished family. Despite their wealth, his parents were deeply devout and had no other children besides Alexius.

He was soon married, but on his wedding night, he fled and began wandering throughout the Roman Empire, spreading Christianity. He lived this way for seventeen years until a strong wind caused the ship he was traveling on to drift off course, bringing him back to Rome. Alexius saw this as a sign and decided to visit his parents. They did not recognize him but allowed him to live in their courtyard. He spent the rest of his life near them, devoting himself entirely to prayer.

The Revelation of the Man of God

Christians believe that on the day Saint Alexius of Rome passed away, a voice was heard in the Church of the Holy Apostles, instructing the faithful to “seek the Man of God.” Soon after, it was revealed that this “Man of God” was a beggar living in the courtyard of a wealthy family.

When the emperor and his entourage arrived at Alexius’ shelter, the truth was uncovered. The saint was found dead, but tradition says that his face “shone like the sun.” In his hand, he held a piece of paper on which he had written his life story just before his death. From this letter, his parents and his wife—who had waited for him all those years—learned his true identity.

A great sorrow filled the family, but they soon found consolation in the miracles that the “Man of God” performed even after his death. According to Christian tradition, many sick people were healed simply by touching his body, and holy myrrh flowed from his remains. He was buried in a coffin of marble and emeralds, and his head is preserved in the Holy Lavra Monastery on the Peloponnese.

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Patron of Beggars and Travelers

Both Christian churches honor the memory of Saint Alexius of Rome, though he became more widely venerated in the East. He is considered the patron of beggars, travelers, caregivers, pilgrims, and nannies.

Popular belief holds that the “Man of God” watches over all the poor and unfortunate. It is said that on this day, one must never turn away a beggar or refuse alms, as doing so would offend the saint.