The Priestmartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope
Commemorated on: September 22 (Primary Feast Day) & July 22 / 23 (Transfer of Relics)

19th Week after Pentecost. Tone one.

• Early Life & Ministry: Born in the Black Sea port city of Sinope, Saint Phocas lived a deeply virtuous Christian life from his youth. He later became the Bishop of Sinope, where his apostolic zeal and inspired teachings successfully converted many pagans to the true faith.
• Martyrdom (117 AD): During the severe Christian persecutions under Emperor Trajan, the regional governor demanded that Phocas renounce Jesus Christ. After enduring fierce tortures, the saint was locked inside an overheated bathhouse, where he died a martyr's death in the year 117.
• Transfer of Relics (404 AD): In the year 404, his holy relics were triumphantly transferred from Pontus to Constantinople, an event that was famously honored with a homily by Saint John Chrysostom.
• Patronage: Within Orthodox tradition, the Priestmartyr Phocas is deeply venerated as a powerful defender against fires and a miraculous helper to those who are drowning.


Holy Priestmartyr Phocas, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!