The Priestmartyr Phocas
Commemorated on September 22, July 22
The Priestmartyr
Phocas was born in the city of Sinope. From youth he led a virtuous
Christian life, and in his adult years he was elevated to bishop of Sinope.
Sainted Phocas converted many pagans to faith in Christ. At the time of a
persecution against Christians under the emperor Trajan (98-117), the governor
demanded the saint to renounce Christ. After fierce torture they closed Saint
Phocas into an hot bath, where he died a martyr's death in the year 117.
In the year 404 the
relics of the saint were transferred to Constantinople (Commemoration of the
Transfer of Relics is 22 July).
The Priestmartyr
Phocas is especially venerated as a defender against fires, but also as giving
aid to the drowning.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
