Biography

Early years

St. Philopateer Mercurius, also known as the saint with two swords, or even "Abu-Saifain" deriving from the Arabic language meaning the man with two swords, was a Christian martyr. He was born in 224 A.D in the city of Rome to two devout Christian parents. His name "Philopateer" derives from two Greek words, Philo, which means lover and Pateer, which means Father, in technical terms it would mean lover of the father. St. Philopateer Mercurius is also said to be the cousin of St. George

Middle years

Philopateer enrolled in the army of the Roman emperor Decius.He was a very strong and courages man, and earned the respect of his fellow soldiers. When the Berbers attacked Rome, Decius when out to fight them, but when he saw how many they were, he got scared. St. Philopateer then came to him and told him " Do not be afraid, because God will destroy our enemies and will

When the army came back victorious, an angel appeared again to him reminding him of what he had told him before the battle, that is: "When you overcome your enemies, remember the Lord your God." However after this victory, Emperor Decius wanted to offer essence to the idols. However, St. Philopateer did not want to be involved because of his loyalty to his God. When the emperor heard of this, he became very angry and ordered that he be beaten with whips and stalks.

Later years

St. Philopateer was killed in Caesarea after emperor Decius sent him there. Since Mercurius was respected and very loved by his fellow soldiers, and that the emperor was fearing and uproar. St. Mercurius died on the 4th of December in the year 250 A.D.

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