Holy Martyr Phocas the Gardener

Life

A fellow townsman of the hieromartyr Phocas. In Sinope near the Black Sea, Phocas had a garden, which he cultivated himself. With the fruits of his garden he fed all passersby, never omitting also to nourish their souls with the word of God. But the governor who persecuted Christians heard about him and sent soldiers to slay him. Phocas received the soldiers so warmly that they were reluctant to kill him. But at his own request they carried out the order and cut off his head. On that place, over his wonderworking relics, a church was soon erected in his name. Saint Phocas is especially venerated by sailors, and all travelers at sea invoke his help. He suffered in the year 320.