Religion Bulletin: St. Valentine is martyred

RELIGIOUS EVENTS IN HISTORY

On Feb. 14, 270, according to tradition, St. Valentine is beheaded along the Flaminian Way in Rome. Valentine was a clergyman in central Italy during the reign of Claudius II and was known for aiding persecuted Christians. Tradition states that Valentine was arrested and imprisoned after being caught marrying Christian couples and helping other Christians who were being persecuted by Claudius. Valentine was brought before Claudius, and although the emperor took a liking to Valentine at first, Claudius later condemned him to death for trying to convert Claudius to Christianity. St. Valentine later became associated with a tradition of courtly love and Feb. 14 has been observed as the Feast of Saint Valentine since 496.

RELIGION CALENDAR

Feb. 15: Parinirvana (Buddhism)

Feb. 21: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)

Feb. 24: Losar (Tibetan New Year) (Buddhism)

Feb. 25: Ayyam-i-Ha (Baha'i)

Feb. 26: Ash Wednesday (Christian)

March 9: Purim (Jewish)

March 10: Holi (Hindu)

March 10: Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

March 19: Ostara (Pagan and Wicca)

March 19: Feast of St. Joseph (Roman Catholic)

March 20: Naw Ruz (Baha'i)

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THE WORD

orthodox: A term used to denote a clear doctrine that implies correct belief according to a particular religion or philosophy.

— ReligionStylebook.com

RELIGION AROUND THE WORLD

According to the CIA World Factbook, the religious makeup of Brazil is:

— Roman Catholic: 64.6%

— Other Catholic: 0.4%

— Protestant: 22.2%

— Other Christian: 0.7%

— Spiritist: 2.2%

— Other: 1.4%

— None: 8%

— Unspecified: 0.4%