Saint Phocas
Phocas the Gardener | |
|---|---|
The execution of Phocas, illustrated in the 11th century Menologion of Basil II | |
| Died | ~303 AD? |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Major shrine | Relics were claimed by Vienne and Antioch |
| Feast | March 5, July 3 |
| Attributes | Gospel book, paddle or scythe |
| Patronage | gardeners; market-gardeners; hospitality; agricultural workers; farmers; fieldhands; husbandmen; sailors; mariners; watermen |
Phocas, sometimes called Phocas the Gardener (Greek: Φωκᾶς), is venerated as a martyr and saint by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. His life and legend may have been a fusion of three men with the same name: a Phocas of Antioch, a Phocas the Gardener and Phocas, Bishop of Sinope.