Phokas the Gardener (2nd)

Holy Martyr Phocas the Gardener.

St. Phokas was a humble gardener of Sinope on the Black Sea who lived by the labor of his hands, sharing his produce with the poor and offering hospitality to travelers. When soldiers were sent to execute him for being a Christian, he received them as guests, and having prepared them supper and dug his own grave, he revealed himself in the morning and met death with peace.

He has been venerated from ancient times as a patron of gardeners and of seafarers. He is commemorated on September 22.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Phokas the Gardener (2nd) 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 September 22

• 

  Phokas of Sinope

  Hierarch, Φωκάς Σινώπης

  Hieromartyr Phokas, bishop of Sinope and wonderworker.

  Name days: Phokas, Fokas

• Isaac and Martin the Martyrs

  Martyr, Ισαάκ και Μαρτίνος

  Holy Martyrs Isaac and Martin.

• Kosmas of Zographou

  Venerable, Κοσμάς ο Ζωγραφίτης

  Venerable Kosmas the Bulgarian, hermit of Zographou on Mount Athos.

• 26 Martyrs of Zographou

  Martyr, Οσιομάρτυρες Ζωγραφίτες

  The twenty-six monastic martyrs of Zographou, burned in their tower for refusing the Union of Lyons.

• Paraskeva of Sarov and Diveyevo

  Holy Woman, Παρασκευή του Σάρωφ

  Blessed Paraskeva, called Pasha of Sarov, fool for Christ of Diveyevo.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.