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The translation of the relics of Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope; Hieromartyrs Apollinaris, Vitalius and Valeri

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

Orthodox Calendar, July 23 The translation of the relics of Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

St Phocas was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope.

He contested for the Faith during the reign of Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honor was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

Troparion — Tone 4

By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, / you became a successor to their throne. / Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God; / by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith, / even to the shedding of your blood. / Hieromartyr Apollinaris, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Hieromartyr Apollinaris, Bishop of Ravenna Saint Apollinaris was a disciple of the Apostle Peter, whom he followed from Antioch to Rome sometime during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius (41-54). Saint Peter appointed Apollinaris as Bishop of Ravenna. Arriving in Ravenna as a stranger, Saint Apollinaris asked shelter of a local…

Source: Basilica News Agency (English) · Read the full story →

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Marija RistićI read that St. Photius was burned in a bath during the time of Trajan in 102, and that St. John Chrysostom wrote a homily in his honor. That's always interesting to me, how those early martyrs were so strong. And you, have you ever been to a celebration in a church dedicated to St. Photius?

Валентина ВасильеваYes, I read about Phocas, how he was burned in a bathhouse under Trajan in 102. I didn’t know about Chrysostom and his homily in honor of the saint before, interesting. We don’t have a church in honor of Phocas in Minsk, but last year on the feast of St. Appolinarius there was a service in one small church where they talked about the early martyrs after the liturgy.

Milica ŽivkovićI was not in the church dedicated to St. Fotija, but I remember that once at a celebration in our parish we baked cakes just for St. martyrs from an early age. That story about the bathroom always reminds me of how calm they were in the face of death. And you, Maria, did you read Chrysostom's homily to the end or only part of it?