St. Christopher The Christ-Bearer and Martyr of Lycia

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Before he was known as St. Christopher, he was called Reprobus—a man of towering strength and fearsome reputation. Legend says he was a Canaanite, possibly descended from giants, who made a vow: he would serve only the greatest king on earth. He first pledged loyalty to a mighty ruler—but when that king trembled at the mention of the devil, Reprobus left his service and sought out Satan himself.

He found him.

A dark, proud figure clothed in power and menace took him in as a servant. But Reprobus began to notice something strange. Whenever they came upon a cross or passed a place where Christ was honored, Satan would turn aside—visibly shaken. Reprobus demanded an answer.

“Why do you flee from that symbol?”

The devil snarled, “Because the One who died upon it is mightier than I. I cannot endure His name.”

That was the moment the illusion shattered. The so-called “prince of this world” was a liar and a coward—terrified of a crucified King. Reprobus, once a servant of fear, now thirsted for truth.

“Then I will serve Christ, the true and eternal King.”

He abandoned Satan on the road that day—choosing instead to follow the One whose power was hidden in humility, and whose victory came through the Cross.

A hermit catechized him and gave him a mission worthy of his strength: to carry weary travelers across a deadly river as a form of charity and penance. One stormy night, a small child appeared. Reprobus hoisted him onto his shoulders—but each step grew heavier. The river swelled, the burden crushed him.

“Child,” he cried, “you weigh as heavy as the world!”

The child replied, “You carry not only the world, but the One who made it. I am Christ your King.”

From that moment on, he bore not only the Child—but the name Christopher—Christ-bearer.

Though his story became legend, the Church holds firm that St. Christopher died a martyr during the persecution of Emperor Decius, around 250 A.D., in Lycia—modern-day Turkey. His veneration flourished in both East and West, and he became the beloved patron of travelers, invoked for protection and strength.

St. Christopher’s legacy is not just a tale of raw power. It is the victory of truth over deception, humility over pride, and Christ over Satan.
Even the strongest man must choose his master.
Christopher chose Christ.

St. Christopher, fearless servant of the true King—pray for us.