July 8: Saint Procopius is celebratedtranslated

Today the Church honors the memory of the Great Martyr Procopius and his mother Theodosia. Procopius lived under Diocletian. His father Christophoros was pious, his mother believed in the Twelve Gods. After his father's death, his mother took him to the emperor, who appointed him ruler of the city of Alexandria, ordering him to persecute and brutally punish the Christians.

While on his way to Alexandria lightning and thunder began to fall and at the same time he heard a voice calling him by name. Procopius then begged the One who was speaking to him to reveal himself to him. Suddenly a crystal Cross appeared in front of him and a voice was heard: "I am the Crucified Son of God." After this miracle he converted and was baptized a Christian.

Such miracles were experienced by the Apostle Paul and Constantine the Great during their personal Pentecost.

Later, returning from a victorious mission, his mother tried to persuade him to sacrifice to the gods. He, though he refused, was tortured, led by the pagans to their temple, where they smashed the idols by his prayer and luminous presence. The miracle led many to believe in…