On this day, July 8 according to the Julian Calendar (July 21 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Great Martyr Procopius of Jerusalem.
The Holy Great Martyr Procopius (Prokopios) — born Neanos before his baptism — was born in Jerusalem in the third century. His father, the illustrious Roman nobleman Christopher, was a Christian, while his mother Theodosia was a pagan.
After his father’s death, his mother raised Neanos in the pagan faith and sent him to the imperial court, where he rose to a high position. Emperor Diocletian (284–305), impressed by his abilities and loyalty, appointed him military governor (proconsul) of Alexandria, tasking him with the persecution of Christians.
As Neanos journeyed toward Alexandria with his troops, a miraculous vision appeared to him — a luminous cross in the sky, accompanied by a voice saying: ‘Neanos, through this cross you shall overcome your enemies.’ Shaken by the vision, he had a golden cross made and carried it into battle, achieving victory.
Soon after, the Lord appeared to him again in a dream, calling him to baptism. Neanos secretly went to Bishop Leontius of Jerusalem, who baptized him and gave him the name Procopius. When his mother Theodosia reported his conversion to the emperor, Procopius was arrested.
Procopius endured severe tortures with unwavering faith. During his imprisonment, his mother Theodosia and twelve women who witnessed his courage all came to believe in Christ and were themselves martyred. Saint Leontius, who had baptized Procopius, also suffered martyrdom.
Finally, Great Martyr Procopius was beheaded in Caesarea of Palestine around the year 303, becoming the first martyr of Diocletian’s persecution. His relics became a source of healing, and his memory is revered throughout the Orthodox Church.
May the intercessions of Great Martyr Procopius of Jerusalem be with us all.