The Glory and Utility of the Martyr's Relics

He continued to urge the courage of non-compromise and not even to hesitate a little, saying that the killing was not from the hands of those, but from the attempt of those who commanded it. He spoke, he persuaded, he suffered, and having been beheaded, he was brought as a priest sanctified to God. A pillar and support of the divine churches of the inhabited world, from him until now we have this, O men; and this martyr is most illustrious, having himself the first place among the best.

This one draws all people toward his own gathering place; and the highways are full of those coming from every land toward the place of prayer. Therefore, that magnificent temple, which was allotted the body of the martyr to hold the sacred, is a relief for the afflicted, a physician for the suffering, and a table for the hungry. For he feeds more bountifully, having now passed away in Phocas, than Joseph formerly lived in Egypt. For he used to distribute grain of silver, but this one grants bread to those in need. Thus, as a shelter for the poor and wanderers, he runs to the isthmus of Sinope like a common treasury.

But there, it is so. If even elsewhere the martyr established for himself a small colony, such as a metropolis, that place too is wonderful and is looked around by all Christians, just as this sacred space among us is being celebrated by gathering toward it. For the death of his saints is precious before the Lord (Psalm 116:15), and often, having been divided, the whole of the relics preserves the good reputation everywhere. So also, even toward the reigning city, the summit of Italy and the queen of the world, there is a universal guard and honor for the martyrdom, and a distinguished house, arranged for beauty. And the Romans treat Phocas no less than Peter and Paul.

Therefore also, as the word teaches, they eagerly took the head of the martyr, intending the opposite of the defiled Herod. For she, thirsting for the blood of the righteous (Matthew 14:3), sought a precious head for the sake of insolence; but they, for the sake of honor and their own benefit, made a head worthy of martyrdom. And the sailors everywhere—not only those crossing the Euxine Sea, but also those cutting through the Adriatic and being carried over the Aegean, and all who sail the ocean toward the west and navigate the eastern gulfs—who usually obey the customary commands by which they cease the toil of sailing, were changing into a new good reputation of the martyr; and Phocas is entirely submissive to them through language, since his symbols provide clear help. For often he appeared, now at night while winter is expected, waking the steersman by commanding him at the rudder; and at other times again, looking out from the prow and attending to the shield and watching the rocks. Therefore also—