By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today we commemorate Holy Martyrs Isaac and Martin as well as Hieromartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope.
Saint Phocas was born in the city of Sinope, which is situated on the Black Sea coast. His parents, Pamphilus and Maria, taught him to sincerely believe in God. Saint Phocas was studying passionately religious writings from an early age. He was known as a man who loves God and his fellow beings.
He was inspired by the Bible: “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light – He that hateth his brother is in darkness”.
Saint Phocas became Bishop of Sinope. Throughout his life, he performed various miracles in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. He was engaged in missionary work and therefore under Emperor Trajan (98 – 117 AD), he was arrested by fanatical idolaters who threw him into a hot bath, where he reposed in the Lord.
SOURCE: Church of Cyprus