Saint Augustin was a philosopher in the Greek tradition, born in 103 A.D., in Samaria to Greek parents. He received Greek education, and the desire for knowledge and an understanding of life led Augustin to attend many of philosophic schools of his time and he eventually adopted a Platonic philosophy – but even this failed to satisfy him.

Augustin often retreated to an isolated field near the sea for contemplation. One day, he encountered an old man. The old man, a Christian, engaged Augustin in a dialogue, mentioning the Hebrew prophets and how their writings pointed to the Christ. The dialogue concluded with the old man urging Augustin to pray that the gates of heaven might be opened to him. Inflamed by this providential meeting, he began an earnest search of the Scriptures; and, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, became a Christian in 133 AD.

He was one of the early Christians whose martyrdom was documented and who left valuable writings about the practices and doctrines of the early followers of Christ. Augustin is the most well-known apologist of the second century, the only true Christian thinker known between the times of Saint John the Evangelist and Origen. He mercilessly criticized the intellectual dead-end of the ancient paganism in which he was raised, seeing it as not merely neutral but as an obstacle to discovering the truth.

Augustin loved the idea that Christ the Logos was the same in substance, but different in person from the Father. The theological truth expressed in the concepts of Greek philosophy was very satisfying to him, because it was very true.

Augustin moved to Rome to teach philosophy and spent decades there, writing and interacting with the higher echelons of Roman society. At that time, many Christians lived and worshipped in secret; in part, to protect themselves from persecution, and also to preserve the purity of the faith. He became the first great Christian apologist, urging his fellow Christians to proclaim the faith, and answering the objections of pagan detractors, while explaining the doctrines of baptism and Eucharist.

In 167 A.D., Augustin and six companions were called to answer for their beliefs before the Prefect of Rome, who demanded him to perform sacrifice to the gods of Rome. Augustin and his friends refused and were threatened with torture and death. They responded: “Do as you wish; for we are Christians, and we do not sacrifice to idols.” They sternly refused to be idolaters and were duly led away, scourged, and beheaded.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Candida
2. Saint John Baptist Scalabrini
3. Saint Leo Tanaka
4. Saint Telga
5. Saint Juventius

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