Saint Phocas
Saint Phocas of Sinope, traditionally shown with a book and a paddle.
Martyr and Bishop of Sinope
Died102
Sinope
(modern-day Sinop, Turkey)
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Armenian Apostolic Church
Feast22 September[1][2]
Monday after the fourth Sunday of the Exaltation of the Cross (Armenian Apostolic Church)[3]
PatronageAgainst fires, and help of those drowning.[2]

Hieromartyr Phocas (Greek: Φωκάς) was born in the city of Sinope in northern Turkey. During his adult years he became Bishop of Sinope. At the time of persecution against Christians under the emperor Trajan (98–117), the governor demanded that the saint renounce Christ. After fierce torture they enclosed St Phocas in a hot bath, where he died a martyr's death in the year 117.[2]

A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom on the occasion of the translation of his relics to Constantinople. The translation of his holy relics from Pontus to Constantinople about the year 404 A.D. is celebrated on July 23. His primary feast is on September 22, and he is called a wonderworker.[1][2][4]

The execution of Phocas, illustrated in the 11th century Menologion of Basil II.

The Hieromartyr Phocas is especially venerated as a defender against fires, and also as a helper of the drowning.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Great Synaxaristes: (in Greek) Ὁ Ἅγιος Φωκᾶς ὁ Ἱερομάρτυρας ὁ Θαυματουργὸς. 22 Σεπτεμβρίου. ΜΕΓΑΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ.
  2. ^ a b c d e Hieromartyr Phocas the Bishop of Sinope. OCA - Lives of the Saints.
  3. ^ Domar: the calendrical and liturgical cycle of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, Armenian Orthodox Theological Research Institute, 2003, p. 513.
  4. ^ Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, Saint Phocas of Sinope, July 23, 2012.


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