Phocas lived in Sinope on the Black Sea in the late
third century. He was a gardener, and he gave crops from his garden to the poor
and the persecuted Christians. He also opened his home for travelers and any
seeking shelter. According to legend, during the persecutions of Diocletian,
soldiers were sent to kill Phocas. They were welcomed by a gardener, not
knowing him to be the man they were seeking. He took them in and offered to
help them find the victim.
As the soldiers rested, Phocas arranged for his
possessions to be given to the poor and dug his own grave. In the morning, he
revealed himself to the soldiers. They offered to leave and claim that they
couldn’t find him, but he refused the offer.
He was beheaded and buried in the grave he dug.
He is the patron of hospitality, gardeners, farmers, and sailors. His feast day
is celebrated on July 23 or Sept. 22.
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