Phocas, Bishop of Sinope
| Saint Phocas | |
|---|---|
|
| |
| Martyr and Bishop of Sinope | |
| Died |
102 Sinope |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Feast | 22 September |
| Patronage | against fires, and help of those drowning.[1] |
Hieromartyr Phocas was born in the city of Sinope. During his adult years he became Bishop of Sinope. At the time of a 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.[1]
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.[2]