Feast Day: September 22nd
The Life of Saint Phocas: He had a very small garden, and whatever it produced, he equally shared it with the poor. However, not only did the Saint cultivate the sensible garden, but also the noetic garden of the Soul, that the various flowers of the Holy Virtues might flourish there…
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Prayers
Troparion – Tone 3: Your Holy Martyr Phocas, O Lord, through his sufferings has received an incorruptible Crown from You, Our God. For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion – Tone 2: You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance, which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Phocas; extinguishing the allure of false gods, you enlighten the faithful, always interceding for us all.
Saint Phocas had a very small garden and shared his food with the poor people. Being a virtuous Christian, the governor sent soldiers to arrest Saint Phocas. However, he gave them hospitality, told them to rest in his home that night and he would help them find the man they sought in the morning. That evening Saint Phokas dug his grave, Prayed, and distributed his possessions to the poor. In the morning Saint Phokas revealed his identity to the soldiers who hesitated and wished to tell the governor they failed to find him. However Saint Phocas humbly refused this offer and was beheaded and buried int he grave he dug for himself.
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