Translation of the Relics of Hieromartyr Phocas of Sinope — July 22 / August 4 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 22 according to the Julian Calendar (August 4 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Translation of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Phocas of Sinope.

The Hieromartyr Phocas was born in Sinope, a city on the coast of the Black Sea. He was first a sailor, and afterwards became bishop of the city of Sinope. In the reign of the Emperor Trajan (98-117), the governor of the city seized the holy hierarch and demanded that he renounce the faith. After torments of many kinds, the courageous confessor of Christ was cast into a burning bath-house, where in suffering he gave up his soul (+117).

In the years 403-404 the holy relics of the hieromartyr were translated from Sinope to Constantinople. The Church celebrates this event on July 22; the saint is also commemorated on September 22.