The Christian people of Anatolia are the saints, monks, bishops and martyrs who were born or worked in what is Turkey today. This list has seven, among them Nicholas of Sion, Gregory of Nyssa, Saint Helen, Jacob of Nisibis and Margaret of Antioch. For more names, read my longer list of important Christian people of Asia Minor.
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Land called Asia Minor as mentioned in the Holy Bible or known as Turkey today played a predominant role in early Christianity. Christian martyrs and saints who lived in Turkey left their mark in early Christian stories. Let’s have a look at the names and stories of the most important Christian people of Anatolia.
List of Important Christian People of Anatolia
Nicholas of Sion
Nicholas was from Lycian city of Pharroa. Saint Nicholas was known to travel to Jerusalem twice in his lifetime, and he performed miracles of healing.
Gregory of Nyssa
Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a great universalist who believed in the universal salvation of all human beings. He was the younger brother of Basil of Caesarea, and a good friend of Gregory of Nazianzus.
Nikon the Metanoeite
Nikon holds a very special place in the Church since he was not a praying monk. He used his time for preaching instead of praying.
Pausicacus of Synada
Pausicacus was born in Synada which is modern Turkey’s Afyonkarahisar city. He was born into a rich family, but he gave up his luxurious life and became a monk who lives on only water and bread. He had the power of healing mentally ill people.
Saint Helen
She was the mother of the Emperor Constantine the Great. She was given uncontrolled access to the imperial treasury and her son wanted his mother to find the relics of the Christian tradition. Saint Helen had several pilgrimages around the Middle East and funded the construction of Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and the Church of Eleona on the Mount of Olives.
Jacob of Nisibis
Jacob of Nisibis was born in Nisibis town of the Roman Empire which is known as Nusaybin, Turkey today. Saint Jacob was one of the participants of the first ecumenical council at Nicaea and one of the signatories of the Council of Antioch in 341. Some relics believed to belong to Noah’s Ark were discovered by Saint Jacob.
Margaret of Antioch
Margaret was from Antakya city of today’s Turkey. She promised anyone who read her life will have less pain for the punishment they can receive for their sins. Joan of Arc told she had spoken with Margaret of Antioch or Margaret the Virgin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Saint Helena born?
Saint Helen, also called Saint Helena, was probably born in Drepanon, a town in Bithynia in northwest Anatolia, in the middle of the third century. It was later renamed Helenopolis, and it is believed that the new name honored her.
Is Nicholas of Sion the same person as Saint Nicholas of Myra?
No, they are two different men. Nicholas of Sion lived in the sixth century, was abbot of Holy Sion monastery, became bishop of Pinara and died in 564. Saint Nicholas of Myra, the bishop behind the Santa Claus story, lived much earlier, in the fourth century.
Why is Saint Margaret of Antioch shown with a dragon?
In the legend of her life, Satan came to Margaret as a dragon and swallowed her, but the cross she held hurt the dragon from inside and she came out alive. Because of this story she became the patron saint of women in childbirth.
