Great-martyr Phanurius the Newly Appeared of Rhodes
Commemorated on August 27
"Little is known of the holy Martyr Phanurius, except that
which is depicted concerning his martyrdom on his holy icon, which was
discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes, when
the Moslems ruled there. Thus he is called "the Newly-Revealed." The faithful
pray to Saint Phanurius especially to help them recover things that have been
lost, and because he has answered their prayers so often, the custom has arisen
of baking the Phaneropita ('Phanarius-Cake') as a
thank-offering." (Great Horologion)
There is a tradition that his mother was a great sinner, and that he was
unable to convert her in her lifetime. After her death he prayed more for her
salvation than for his own. As he was being stoned to death, he prayed: 'For the
sake of these my sufferings, Lord, help all those who will pray to Thee for the
salvation of Phanurius' sinful mother.' So, in Egypt, where he is much revered,
many Christians pray 'O Lord, save Phanurius' mother and help me, a sinner.'