Saint Phocas

Phocas of Sinope († 117 or 303 in Sinope ) is venerated as a Christian martyr.

Phocas is said to have held office as a bishop in the city of Sinope on the Black Sea, another tradition describes him as a gardener. He suffered the legend of Emperor Hadrian martyred by burning or decapitation. He is venerated in the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches as a saint. His feast day is July 14. Phocas is also the patron saint of sailors.

A consecrated in his name church was built in the late 5th century and later a fire destroyed Phocas Church in Basufan, Syria.