16 Facts About Saint Christopher

Legends about the life and death of Saint Christopher first appeared in Greece in the 6th century and had spread to France by the 9th century.

Saint Christopher was a Canaanite, 5 cubits tall and with a fearsome face.

Saint Christopher went to the king who was reputed to be the greatest, but one day he saw the king cross himself at the mention of the devil.

Saint Christopher came across a band of marauders, one of whom declared himself to be the devil, so Christopher decided to serve him.

Saint Christopher met a hermit who instructed him in the Christian faith.

The hermit then suggested that because of his size and strength Saint Christopher could serve Christ by assisting people to cross a dangerous river, where they were perishing in the attempt.

Saint Christopher later visited Lycia and there comforted the Christians who were being martyred.

Saint Christopher converted the women to Christianity, as he had already converted thousands in the city.

The name Saint Christopher, as used in the Anglophone world, is the English version of the Greek name.

Widely dispersed into other languages and cultures from the Greek, many native forms of Christopher are used both to refer to the saint and as a personal name.

Saint Christopher's commemoration is of Roman tradition, in view of the relatively late date and limited manner in which it was accepted into the Roman calendar, but his feast continues to be observed locally.

St Christopher was a widely popular saint, especially revered by athletes, mariners, ferrymen, and travelers.

Saint Christopher is revered as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

Saint Christopher is usually depicted as a giant, with a child on his shoulder and a staff in one hand.

Saint Christopher was captured by Roman forces fighting against tribes dwelling to the west of Egypt in Cyrenaica and forced to join the Roman.

Saint Christopher was reported to be of enormous size, with the head of a dog instead of a man.