Patron Saints of Cities and Their Relics: From Medieval Times to Modernity

Abstract

Feasts associated with relics have occurred since antiquity. They play a major role in the life of both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. In contemporary practice, relic feasts often include both religious and secular events, which are especially significant in small cities that possess relics of a patron saint. This paper analyses the feasts associated with St Nicholas of Myra, St Euthemia of Chalcedon, and St Alexander Schmorell; two of these traditions go back to the medieval era, the third has more recent origins.