Saint Varus of Kemet

Biography

Saint Varus of Kemet, also known as Uaros, was a courageous soldier in Upper Egypt during the early fourth century. Little is known about his early life, but he gained significant recognition for his devotion to the Christian faith and his martyrdom. Varus was originally assigned the duty of guarding a group of monks who had been condemned to death for their unwavering commitment to their faith. As fate would have it, during his time spent with these monks, he was profoundly influenced by their steadfastness and unwavering devotion to God. Witnessing their faith, Varus was convinced of the truth of the Christian message and felt a powerful calling to join their ranks. Tragically, one of the monks in his custody passed away while they were imprisoned. It was at this moment that Varus selflessly took the fallen brother's place, willing to face his own execution in order to preserve the faith that had captivated his heart. Varus fearlessly embraced martyrdom, understanding that it was a path to eternal salvation and an opportunity to bear witness to the truth. On 19 October 307, in the region of Kemet in Upper Egypt, Varus was ultimately hanged from a tree, sealing his fate as a martyr. His sacrificial act symbolized his unwavering commitment to Christ and his willingness to endure all hardships for the sake of the Gospel. The relics of Saint Varus were later transported to Daraa, a city in present-day Syria, by the pious Saint Cleopatra. She built a chapel specifically to enshrine these sacred relics, providing a place for believers to honor and seek intercession from Saint Varus. Throughout the centuries, Saint Varus has been venerated by the faithful as a brave soldier for Christ and a remarkable example of unwavering faith. Although little is known about his specific patronages, he is believed to intercede for those facing persecution for their faith and for the strength to endure hardships with unwavering resolve. Despite not being officially recognized by the Catholic Church, Saint Varus holds a pre-congregation status, which means that his canonization was conducted before the formal establishment of the current canonization processes. Nevertheless, his memory and witness continue to inspire and guide the faithful, reminding them of the sacrifices made by early Christians in the face of immense adversity. On 19th October each year, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Varus of Kemet, commemorating his life, martyrdom, and steadfast devotion to the Christian faith. His example serves as a reminder of the invaluable sacrifices made by countless saints and martyrs who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel.