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).
In the year 806 the relics were again transferred into a temple built in honour of the Priestmartyr Pherapont, and from them there constantly flowed myrh, and miracles were worked. Through the prayers of Sainted Pherapont, the seriously ill are healed, and the dying restored to life.