Blase was a well educated Physician who became Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia. He was persecuted by Agricola, the famous Roman general, who ordered Blase to renounce his faith. When Blase refused he was thrown into prison where he helped sick prisoners and famously saved a child who was choking on a fish bone. Blase refused to renounce his faith and was tortured by having his flesh torn with wool combs. He was finally beheaded on the orders of Agricola. (www.catholic-saints.info)
