Claudius II

Some accounts say Valentine was a priest who continued to perform weddings in secret when they were banned by Emperor Claudius II.

It was recorded that on February 14th in perhaps the year 268 a Christian pastor called Valentine was executed by the order of Roman Emperor Claudius II. There was lots that the empire did not like about the rapidly growing Christian faith, but much of the concern centered on military preparedness.

Lewis explained that Emperor Claudius II soon found out about St. Valentine’s secret marriage ceremonies and sent him to jail to be executed.

“My favorite story surrounds Valentine, who lived around 270 A.D. under the rule of Emperor Claudius II,” said Lewis.

He was known for secretly conducting marriages that had been banned by the Roman Emperor Claudius II, who is said to have claimed that married men made poor soldiers.