Saint Valentine a Presbyter in Rome, drew the ire of Emperor Claudius by ignoring the imperial ban against allowing men who had not fulfilled their military obligations to the Empire to marry. Remaining loyal to his moral commitment and beliefs as a Christian priest, Valentine refused to compromise the sanctity of marriage to the will of the state. In defiance of imperial edict, Valentine continued to unite and bless Christian couples, which were legally barred from marrying. In the year 286 Emperor Claudius II sentenced him to death for this, and for not sacrificing to the pagan gods. Many miracles happened throughout his trials, and many more attributed to the Saint in his life and after. In the west, a clear knowledge was lost about him, and Veneration declined while in it's place a secular day rose up. This icon is a reminder of the true love this heroic Saint had for Christ. Willing to risk all for the love of God.
