Saint · † 303
Procopius of Cæsarea in Palestine and those with him
Holy Great Martyr Procopius of Cæsarea in Palestine and those with him († 303)
New Calendar July 8 Old Calendar July 21
Why they are a saint
The Holy Great Martyr Procopius, in the world Neanius, a native of Jerusalem, lived and suffered during the reign of the emperor Diocletian (284-305). The Orthodox Church commemorates Great Martyr on July 8.
Life
Saint Procopius, in the world Neanius, was a native of Jerusalem under Diocletian. His father Christopher was a Christian and his mother Theodosia a pagan. Well educated, he advanced in the emperor's service, and around 303 was sent to Alexandria to persecute the Church.
On the way, near Apamea in Syria, the Lord appeared to him with the words 'Neanius, why do you persecute Me?', and a radiant Cross appeared; from a persecutor he became a zealous follower of Christ. Later he was tortured for the faith at Caesarea in Palestine; seeing his firmness, his mother repented and was executed as a confessor. He was beheaded by order of the procurator Flavian, the first martyrdom at Caesarea (303).
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Procopius of Cæsarea in Palestine and those as a patron when they bear the name Great at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 8. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Procopius of Cæsarea in Palestine and those with him, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.