The Glory and Utility of the Martyr

The martyr inquired of them what kind of men they were and for what reason they had seized his city.

Those who, feeling shame for the prompt reception and hospitality of the man, commanded that nothing spoken be revealed, made known to him the secret thing and the drama being bought out regarding the plot, that they were seeking Phocas for punishment; and by this hospitality, they were worthy to add a favor, to join with them in the hunt for the one sought.

The servant of the Lord heard and, receiving the word with a soul not turned away, suffered nothing lowly or foolish, nor did he counsel to flee the danger out of fear, and having these things, he easily taught the power; but everything contrary, he thought toward the worthiness; 'And I,' he says to you, 'will seize the one lying ahead. For I know the man and, having searched easily, I will report him; and this is not far off, but after one day; only you rest during this meager journey.'

Having thus guaranteed the promise to them firmly, he divided himself into two things: by the reception of his own killers and by the preparation of the tomb. Having arranged the pit and the things necessary for the burial, approaching them at the last, he says, 'With care, I searched for Phocas and the prey is ready; and, if it seems good, let him be seized.' To those saying out of pleasantness, 'And where is the man?', he says, 'Not far, but with you; and this man is for you myself; and use the command and fulfill the purpose of the journey and of the toil.'

The men were struck in their souls and, upon hearing, they marveled at the salt and the table, understanding the host who was ambitious in poverty. He urged toward the daring of the execution and commanded not to hesitate even a little, saying that the murder was not from their hand, but from those who had commanded the work. He said, he persuaded, he suffered; and having his head cut off, he was presented as a priest reconciled to God.

We have this man, men, as a pillar and support of the churches of God until now.

And this most illustrious one is among the best and most blessed, holding the first place. For a star differs from a star in glory, according to common opinion and according to the voice of the vessel of election; and most especially indeed he is most famous among the saints throughout the whole inhabited world.

And he draws all people and runs together toward his own gathering-place; and the thoroughfares from each land are filled with those hastening toward the place of prayer. For that magnificent temple is a relief to the afflicted, a resource to the laboring, a physician to the suffering, and an Egypt to the starving.

And he feeds more abundantly, having finished his life in Phocas, than Joseph did while living; for he indeed distributed grain of silver (Genesis 41), but this one grants wheat to those in need. And just as the doves, during the winter season when food is scarce, find lands with abundant crops and settle in those courts, so do all the poor and the wanderers rush to the isthmus of Sinope as to a common storehouse.

If indeed even elsewhere the martyr established for himself a small deficiency, such as a colony of a metropolis, this place too is wonderful and is looked around at by all Christians, just as this place among us is a sacred gathering-place for those celebrating. For the death of his holy ones is precious before the Lord (Psalm 116:15); and the relics, having been divided many times, preserve the good reputation everywhere in their entirety.

Thus also in the reigning city, the summit of Italy and the queen of the world, there is for him much escort and honor and a magnificent house, arranged for beauty. And the Romans do not treat Phocas with less healing than Peter and Paul. And, as the word teaches, they eagerly took the head of the martyr as a turning away from the defiled Herodias, having determined their purpose. For she, thirsting for blood, sought the head of a righteous man toward insolence; but they made it for honor and for their own benefit. And the sailors and even the ship-owners from everywhere, not only those crossing the Euxine, come here.