Phokas of Sinope

Holy Hieromartyr Phocas of Sinope.

July 22

St. Phokas was bishop of Sinope on the Black Sea, a shepherd of the early Church renowned for his holiness, who completed his ministry as a hieromartyr, suffering death for his confession of Christ during the Roman persecutions.

He has long been honored as a protector of seafarers, and sailors of the Black Sea and beyond kept his memory with special devotion. Alongside his principal feast in September, the Church also commemorates him on July 22, the day associated with the translation of his holy relics.

September 22

St. Phokas was bishop of Sinope on the Black Sea in the time of the emperor Trajan, known for his miracles and for converting many pagans. Brought before the governor Africanus, he refused to sacrifice and was tortured and cast into a bath of scalding water, where he gave up his soul.

He is honored as a protector of sailors and is commemorated on September 22.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Phokas of Sinope is commemorated on July 22. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on August 4 of the civil calendar.

On the New Calendar, Phokas of Sinope is commemorated on September 22. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 5 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Fokas, Phokas

Also commemorated on July 22

• 

  Mary Magdalene

  Holy Woman, Μαρία Μαγδαληνή

  Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, the Myrrh-Bearer.

  Name days: Maria, Mary, Magdalini, Magdalene

• Markella of Chios

  Martyr, Μαρκέλλα

  Holy Virgin-Martyr Markella of Chios.

  Name days: Markella, Markela

• Menelaos the Venerable

  Venerable, Μενέλαος

  Venerable Menelaos, abbot in Gaul.

  Name days: Menelaos, Menelaus

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.