Saint Alexander of Comana

Saint Alexander of Comana, known as "the charcoal burner," was Bishop of Comana in Pontus who died around 251 AD. He earned his nickname from the humble trade he deliberately took up to escape worldly honors, a choice that left him dirty and widely treated with contempt. His hidden virtues came to light almost by accident: when St. Gregory Thaumaturgus came to choose a bishop and rejected every candidate, someone mockingly suggested Alexander. Gregory took the idea seriously, summoned him, and found a saintly man of great ability. Alexander was made bishop and governed with wisdom until he was burned to death in the persecution under Emperor Decius.