The First Valentine

The history of St. Valentine’s Day begins in Rome, in 270 AD . The Roman Emperor, Claudius II demanded that everyone worship the pagan gods that he worshipped. He also abolished marriage, and arrested anyone who disobeyed his rule. Many Christians were tortured and killed, for their faith in God and trust in Jesus.There was a priest named Valentine who, despite the law of Claudius, continued to preach the word of God and perform marriage ceremonies, until he also was arrested and put in jail; but even the prison walls could not keep Valentine from proclaiming his love of God. He ministered to the prisoners and guards alike, converting many to Christianity. One of the guards had a daughter who was blind, and he brought her to Valentine to pray for her sight. The guard knew that his life would be in great danger if he was found with Valentine, but his faith was greater than his fear; and so, he prayed with Valentine, and the girl was blessed by God, her vision restored. News of this miracle quickly spread, and when the Emperor discovered that Valentine was still preaching the word of God, he gave the order to have Valentine put to death by beheading.While awaiting his execution, Valentine wrote a *goodbye* letter to the girl who had received the miracle of sight. She had visited Valentine in prison whenever she could, and they had grown quite fond of one another. Valentine signed his letter to her “from your Valentine”. His execution took place on February 14th. from your Valentine It was because Valentine risked his life to preach the word of God, and because he died for God, that he was deemed a martyr and known thereafter as *Saint* Valentine. His love for God and for people everywhere is symbolized today, by the giving of what we now call *Valentine* cards.