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The Priestmartyr Pherapont, Bishop of Cyprus Commemorated on May 25 The Priestmartyr
Pherapont, Bishop of Cyprus, pursued asceticism in a monastery, and
afterwards he bore obedience in the dignity of bishop on the island of Cyprus.
At the time of the persecution under Diocletian (284-305), Sainted Pherapont
bravely confessed the Name of Christ and died a martyr's death. The relics of
the priestmartyr were at first situated on Cyprus and were glorified by
numerous miracles. But afterwards in the year 806, they were transferred to
Constantinople. The cause of the transfer of the relics was the danger of
invasion by the Saracens. It is significant that on the way, when the ship with
the relics sailed to Constantinople, myrh began to flow from the relics, and
travellers on the ship were miraculously saved during the time of a storm by
their prayers to Saint Pherapont. Upon arrival at Constantinople, the relics of
the priestmartyr were placed in a temple built in honour of the Icon of the
Mother of God of Heleusa or "the Merciful" (celebration is done on 12
November). © 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos. |
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