Holy Martyr Patroclus

Life

A citizen of the city of Tricassinum, the present-day Troyes in Gaul. He had inherited a great estate from his parents, and as a true Christian he gave alms from it to the poor daily, while he himself lived ascetically, taking food only once a day, and that after sunset. Because of the holiness of his life the Lord gave him the power of healing, and as a wonderworking healer he became known everywhere. When Emperor Aurelian came to Gaul, he ordered that Patroclus be brought before him. Holy Patroclus professed his faith in Christ before the emperor, and concealed nothing. "If you desire, O emperor, something of my goods, I will give it to you, for I see you are poor," said Saint Patroclus to the emperor. To this the emperor replied: "How can you call me, the emperor, poor, when I have countless riches?" Holy Patroclus said: "You have only earthly, passing riches, but you are poor, for you do not even possess yourself, nor the faith of Christ in your heart." He was condemned to death and handed over to soldiers to lead him to a swamp beside the river and behead him there, and leave his body in the swamp. But the saint prayed to God that his body not remain in that swamp, and by God's power he suddenly became invisible to the soldiers and was transported to the other side of the river. After a long search the soldiers found him and beheaded him on dry ground. Two beggars to whom Patroclus had often given alms came along that road, recognized the body of their benefactor, and honorably buried him.