The Hieromartyr Phocas.

Commemorated July 22 in the Orthodox Christian Menaion

From the Prologue

Today we commemorate the translation of his relics from Pontus to Constantinople in about 404. The chief commemoration of this saint is on September 22nd, where an account of his life and sufferings is set down. Today, a particular miracle by this saint is also commemorated. A man, Pontinus, was taken by Arabs, who fettered him, tied his hand behind his back and left him to die. Lying on his face on the ground and being incapable of movement, Pontinus cried out: 'Holy Martyr Phocas, have mercy on me and save me!' Thus saying, he fell asleep, and saw Phocas in a dream, coming to him, taking him by the hand and saying: 'The Lord Jesus Christ forgives thee!' When the man awoke, he found himself free from all his bonds. He got up and went home, and took St Phocas as his family patron.

From The Prologue From Ochrid by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich
©1985 Lazarica Press, Birmingham UK