Holy Martyr Phocas the Gardener — September 22 / October 5 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 22 according to the Julian Calendar (October 5 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Martyr Phocas the Gardener.

The holy Martyr Phocas was from the city of Sinope on the southern coast of the Black Sea. By the city gates, at the water’s edge, he kept a small garden and lived humbly: he sold fruit and supported himself with the proceeds, helped the poor, and offered hospitality to travelers. The saint’s godliness had a good influence on those around him, and many pagans abandoned idol worship and embraced Christianity. The governor of the region ordered that Phocas be seized and put to death “without trial or hearing.”

By chance the saint himself met the men sent to arrest him, without revealing who he was, and received them warmly and gave them lodging for the night. During the night the blessed man went out into the garden, prepared a coffin for himself, dug his own grave, and gave orders that after his death all his possessions be distributed to the poor. In the morning Phocas announced to his guests, “Behold, I am the one you seek.” The soldiers were pierced to the soul and astonished at what they heard; they were put to shame before a host who honored the poor with such love, and resolved to save him. But Phocas refused, and meekly bowed his neck to the sword.

The blessed martyr was buried in the garden, in the grave he had dug with his own hands. Many healings took place at the holy tomb, and later a church was built there.