Hieromartyr Phocas

Life

Translation of his relics from Pontus to Constantinople around the year 404. The principal celebration of this saint is on September 22, where the account of his life and suffering is also found. Furthermore, on this day one miracle of this saint is also commemorated. A certain man named Pontinus was captured by the Arabs. The Arabs shackled him, bound his hands behind his back, and left him thus to die. Lying face down on the ground and unable to move, Pontinus cried out: "Holy Martyr Phocas, have mercy on me and save me!" Having said this he fell asleep, and in his sleep he saw the holy Martyr Phocas approach him, take hold of him by the hand and say: "The Lord Jesus Christ forgives thee!" When the man awoke, he found himself free and released from all his bonds. He rose, therefore, and went to his home and took Saint Phocas as his household patron saint.