St. Apollonia Medal – Patron of Dentists and Toothaches

St. Apollonia Biography

St. Apollonia is a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. She is one of the patron saints of dentists, as well as those suffering from toothache and other dental problems.

According to tradition, St. Apollonia was a deaconess in Alexandria, Egypt during the reign of the Roman Emperor Philip the Arab. During this time, there was a great persecution of Christians in Alexandria, and many were martyred for their faith.

One of the methods of torturing Christians was by pulling out their teeth, and it is said that St. Apollonia was subjected to this cruel punishment. Rather than renouncing her faith, she is said to have willingly offered up her own teeth, as well as those of her fellow martyrs, as a sign of her devotion to Jesus Christ.

After her teeth were pulled out, St. Apollonia was then thrown into a fire, but she is said to have miraculously escaped the flames unharmed. According to legend, an angel came to her aid and pulled her out of the fire.

After her release, St. Apollonia is said to have continued to spread the word of Christianity and worked as a missionary, even though her tormentors had intended to silence her. She is also considered a patron saint for those who suffer from toothache and other dental problems, as well as for dentists and those in the dental profession.

St. Apollonia is venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches. Her feast day is celebrated on February 9th. On this day, Catholics will often attend special Masses and pray the rosary in her honor. There are also many churches, chapels and shrines around the world that are dedicated to St. Apollonia and where people can go for pilgrimage.

In many places, especially in Mexico, St. Apollonia is celebrated with colorful processions, fireworks, and traditional dances. Her images and statues can be found in many churches and chapels, and also in many homes, as people often have a devotion to her for the protection of their teeth and overall oral health.

St. Apollonia is depicted in art with a pair of pincers, or forceps, in her hand, holding a tooth. It is said that these forceps were the instruments used to extract her teeth during her torture. Additionally, she is often portrayed with a halo of flames, alluding to the fire which she was thrown into and from which she was protected by an angel during her martyrdom.

The Life of St. Apollonia

St. Apollonia is a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. She is one of the patron saints of dentists, as well as those suffering from toothache and other dental problems.

According to tradition, St. Apollonia was a deaconess in Alexandria, Egypt during the reign of the Roman Emperor Philip the Arab. During this time, there was a great persecution of Christians in Alexandria, and many were martyred for their faith.

One of the methods of torturing Christians was by pulling out their teeth, and it is said that St. Apollonia was subjected to this cruel punishment. Rather than renouncing her faith, she is said to have willingly offered up her own teeth, as well as those of her fellow martyrs, as a sign of her devotion to Jesus Christ.

After her teeth were pulled out, St. Apollonia was then thrown into a fire, but she is said to have miraculously escaped the flames unharmed. According to legend, an angel came to her aid and pulled her out of the fire.

After her release, St. Apollonia is said to have continued to spread the word of Christianity and worked as a missionary, even though her tormentors had intended to silence her. She is also considered a patron saint for those who suffer from toothache and other dental problems, as well as for dentists and those in the dental profession.

St. Apollonia is venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Churches. Her feast day is celebrated on February 9th. On this day, Catholics will often attend special Masses and pray the rosary in her honor. There are also many churches, chapels and shrines around the world that are dedicated to St. Apollonia and where people can go for pilgrimage.

In many places, especially in Mexico, St. Apollonia is celebrated with colorful processions, fireworks, and traditional dances. Her images and statues can be found in many churches and chapels, and also in many homes, as people often have a devotion to her for the protection of their teeth and overall oral health.

St. Apollonia is depicted in art with a pair of pincers, or forceps, in her hand, holding a tooth. It is said that these forceps were the instruments used to extract her teeth during her torture. Additionally, she is often portrayed with a halo of flames, alluding to the fire which she was thrown into and from which she was protected by an angel during her martyrdom.

The Martyrdom of St. Apollonia

During the reign of Decius many Christians in Egypt were killed for their Christian Faith. Among these was the aged virgin Apollonia. The authorities tried relentlessly to make her denounce her faith. They struck her on the jaws until all her teeth came out; then they made a great fire and threatened to throw her into it if she refused to blaspheme God.

Begging a moment’s delay, she, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, “of her own accord leaped into the flames”. Metras, an old man, had his eyes pierced with reeds and then was stoned to death. A woman, by the name of Quinta, was the next victim. She was led to a heathen temple and ordered to worship. After cursing the false god again and again, she was stoned to death. The homes of all the Christians were then sacked and plundered. They rejoiced at being able to suffer for Christ’s sake. A civil war among the pagan citizenry put an end to the fury for a while, but the edict of Decius, in 250, renewed the persecution, which filled the city with dread and terror. There were some who lacked the courage to remain steadfast; but many suffered willingly for their faith in Jesus.

May this St. Apollonia Medal forever commemorate the bravery and steadfast faith of Saint Apollonia.

St. Apollonia Patron Saint of Toothaches and Dentists

Today, the Catholic Church regards St. Apollonia as the patron saint of dentists and all those suffering toothaches. The British Dental Association even includes the image of Saint Apollonia in their cart of arms. During her life time Saint Apollonia endured many pains and torments in her own teeth. When the mob attacked her and attempted to make her denounce her faith St. Ambrose resisted with unwavering faith. The mob responded by knocking out her teeth causing much pain. Still she resisted until her martyrdom via fire. 

All those who are suffering of toothaches or pains of their teeth can turn to the intercession of Saint Apollonia. May St. Apollonia the patron saint of Dentists watch over all doctors of dentistry that they may do their job carefully and work diligently for their patients.

Prayers to Saint Apollonia

Prayer to St. Apollonia for Dentists while wearing St. Apollonia Medal

O Glorious Apollonia, Patron Saint Of Dentistry And Refuge To All Those Suffering From Diseases Of The Teeth, I Consecrate Myself To Thee, Beseeching Thee To Number Me Among Thy Clients.

Assist Me By Your Intercession With God In My Daily Work And Intercede With Him To Obtain For Me A Happy Death.

Pray That My Heart Like Thine May Be Inflamed With The Love Of Jesus And Mary, Through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

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Prayer to St. Apollonia for Toothaches

O Glorious Apollonia, patron saint of dentistry and refuge to all those suffering from diseases of the teeth, I consecrate myself to thee, beseeching thee to number me among thy clients.

Assist me by your intercession with God in my daily work and intercede with Him to obtain for me a happy death. Pray that my heart like thine may be inflamed with the love of Jesus and Mary, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O My God, bring me safe through temptation and strengthen me as thou didst our own patron Apollonia, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Apollonia for Relief from Tooth Pain

Dear St. Apollonia, you are known as the patron saint of those with dental problems. I come to you today, asking for your intercession for relief from the pain in my teeth. I pray that through your powerful intercession, my teeth may be relieved from the pain and discomfort that I am experiencing.

I ask that you pray for me, that my teeth may be healed and that I may give thanks to God for this relief. I place my trust in you, St. Apollonia, and know that through your powerful intercession, all things are possible. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Apollonia for Healing of Tooth Diseases

Dear St. Apollonia, you are known as the patron saint of those with dental problems. I come to you today, asking for your intercession for the healing of my tooth diseases. I pray that through your powerful intercession, my teeth may be healed and that I may be cured of any tooth diseases that I may be suffering from.

I ask that you pray for me, that my teeth may be healed and that I may give thanks to God for this healing. I place my trust in you, St. Apollonia, and know that through your powerful intercession, all things are possible. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Apollonia for Protection of Teeth

Dear St. Apollonia, you are known as the patron saint of those with dental problems. I come to you today, asking for your protection and guidance for the preservation of my teeth. I pray that through your powerful intercession, my teeth may be protected and that they may remain strong and healthy.

I ask that you pray for me, that my teeth may be protected and that I may give thanks to God for this protection. I place my trust in you, St. Apollonia, and know that through your powerful intercession, all things are possible. Amen.

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Prayer to St. Apollonia for the Gift of a Healthy Smile

Dear St. Apollonia, you are known as the patron saint of those with dental problems. I come to you today, asking for your intercession for the gift of a healthy smile. I pray that through your powerful intercession, my teeth may be healthy and that I may be able to smile with confidence.

I ask that you pray for me, that my teeth may be healthy and that I may give thanks to God for this gift. I place my trust in you, St. Apollonia, and know that through your powerful intercession, all things are possible. Amen.

Popular St. Apollonia Items

A St. Apollonia medal or a St. Apollonia rosary is a perfect gift to give to a dentist, dental student, or those suffering toothaches. As the patron saint of dentists and toothaches, wearing a St. Apollonia medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Apollonia to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Apollonia pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint as you treat your dental patients or care for teeth. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Apollonia and pray for their intercession and protection.

St. Apollonia is the patron saint of dentists

St. Apollonia is considered the patron saint of dentists and toothaches because of the manner in which she died as a martyr. According to tradition, St. Apollonia was a Christian martyr who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, during the 3rd century. She was arrested during a persecution of Christians and was tortured for her faith. One of the tortures inflicted upon her was having all of her teeth pulled out, but she refused to renounce her faith and eventually was burned alive.

Because of this legend, St. Apollonia is often depicted holding a pair of pincers or a tooth in her hand, and is invoked as the protector against toothaches and other dental problems. Her feast day, February 9th, is celebrated by many Catholic and Orthodox churches, especially in Europe.

St. Apollonia’s story and the manner in which she suffered and died, made her a powerful intercessor for those who suffer from dental problems and toothaches. In the middle Ages, many people would pray to her for relief from toothaches, and her cult spread throughout Europe, where she became the patron saint of dentists, dental surgeons, and also of those suffering from toothaches and other dental problems.

In conclusion, St. Apollonia is considered the patron saint of dentists and toothaches because of the legend of her torture and death, in which her teeth were pulled out. Her feast day is celebrated in many catholic and orthodox churches and she’s invoked as the protector against toothaches and other dental problems.

“Dear St. Apollonia, patron saint of dentists, I ask for your intercession in the healing of my toothache and any dental issues I may be experiencing. Help me to endure any pain with patience and trust in God’s healing power. Amen.”

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“O God, who gave Saint Apollonia the grace to suffer for the sake of your Son, grant that, through her intercession, we may be delivered from all evils of body and soul and enjoy your eternal reward. Amen.”

Reflection on the feast day of St. Apollonia

The feast day of St. Apollonia is celebrated on February 9th. St. Apollonia was a martyr and a patron saint of toothaches and dentistry. She is known for her courage and her steadfastness in the face of persecution during the early days of Christianity.

One of the most notable lessons that we can learn from St. Apollonia is the importance of courage. Despite the many dangers and difficulties that she faced, St. Apollonia never wavered in her faith. She stood up for her beliefs, even in the face of persecution and torture, and she ultimately sacrificed her life for the sake of her faith.

Another important lesson that we can learn from St. Apollonia is the importance of perseverance. Despite the many trials and tribulations that she faced, St. Apollonia never gave up. She remained steadfast in her faith, and she never wavered in her commitment to God.

St. Apollonia also serves as a powerful example of the importance of humility. Despite her many accomplishments and the great respect that she commanded, St. Apollonia remained humble and always put the needs of others before her own.

St. Apollonia’s devotion to God also serves as an inspiration for us to pray and seek guidance from God. She taught her daughter Mary to have a deep relationship with God, and to turn to him in times of need. In the modern day, we can immolate St. Apollonia’s example by turning to God in our own lives, and by seeking his guidance and wisdom in all things.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Apollonia, let us remember the lessons that she taught us. Let us strive to be courageous, like St. Apollonia, and to stand up for our beliefs, even in the face of persecution. Let us also strive to be perseverant, like St. Apollonia, and to remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to God. Let us also strive to be humble, like St. Apollonia, and to put the needs of others before our own. By immolating St. Apollonia’s example, we can live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God and that brings us closer to Him.

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You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Agatha. St. Apollonia and St. Agatha were early Christian martyrs who suffered persecution for their faith. St. Apollonia is particularly invoked against toothaches and dental problems, while St. Agatha is one of the patron saints of breast cancer patients. Next up: Biography of St. Arnold Janssen

 

Also check out our handmade St. Apollonia Medal and St. Apollonia Rosary and St. Apollonia Rosary Bracelet.