The saint who suffered stings of wasps while crucified on a tree: commemorating St. Astius, Patron Saint of Durrës

On July 7th, the Orthodox Christian community of Durrës commemorates the martyrdom of the city’s patron saint, Saint Astius of Dyrrhachium.

Saint Astius of Dyrrachium, believed to have been a bishop of the city, played a key role in promoting Christianity in the region. He is remembered for his martyrdom in 98 AD during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire under Emperor Trajan. According to Christian tradition, he was arrested by the Roman governor of Dyrrachium, Agricola, and sentenced to death for refusing to worship the god Dionysus. Seven of his companions were drowned in the sea for praising Saint Astius’s steadfastness.

The story serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations faced by early Christians, as well as the rich history and traditions of Durrës. Founded in the 7th century BC as Epidamnus, it was later renamed Dyrrhachium by the Romans, under whose rule the city’s strategic importance grew significantly, becoming the most important port in Illyricum. It served as the starting point of one of the Empire’s key highways, the Via Egnatia, which traversed the Balkans and ended in Thessalonica.

The Saint is venerated by both the Albanian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, but in contemporary Durrës, Saint Astius is revered by the Orthodox community as the city’s patron saint. His memory is commemorated annually on July 7th.

In recent years, Durrës has transformed into an attractive tourist destination, drawing visitors to the city’s ancient Roman amphitheater, Byzantine walls, and archaeological museum, which showcase its storied past. The city’s coastal location, lined with beaches and resorts, further enhances its appeal as a tourist destination.