Hieromartyr Phocas (Greek: Φωκάς) was born in the city of Sinope in northern Turkey.

At the time of persecution against Christians under the emperor Trajan (98–117), the governor demanded that the saint renounce Christ.

After fierce torture they enclosed St Phocas in a hot bath, where he died a martyr's death in the year 117.

[2] A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom on the occasion of the translation of his relics to Constantinople.

The translation of his holy relics from Pontus to Constantinople about the year 404 A.D. is celebrated on July 23.