Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions

Commemorated on May 19

Saint Patrick lived during the first century and was bishop of the city of Prusa in Bythnia (Asia Minor). He openly and boldly preached Christ the Savior, and denounced the error of the pagans.Therefore, he and the priests, Acacius, Menander and Polyainus were arrested, and brought to Julius, the prefect of the city for interrogation.

Julius was going to the hot springs for treatment, and he ordered that the Christian bishop and the priests be brought along after him, bound in iron chains. After he washed in the hot springs, Julius offered sacrifice to his gods. He had St Patrick and the other prisoners brought before him, ordering them to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, threatening punishment if they refused.

St Patrick replied, "I am a Christian and I worship the one true God, Jesus Christ, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and these warm springs for the benefit of all mankind."

Julius had the saint thrown into the hot spring, and with firm faith the martyr prayed, "Lord, Jesus Christ, help Your servant," and he remained unharmed.

In an impotent rage, Julius ordered St Patrick and his three presbyters beheaded. They received their crowns of unfading glory from Christ around the year 100.

Troparion - Tone 4

Having partaken of the apostolic way of life,and becoming their successor to the throne,You discovered in the practice of the virtuesthe way to divine contemplation.Therefore dispensing the word of truthYou also suffered to the shedding of blood for the sake of the faith,O holy martyr Patrick, entreat Christ our God to save our souls.

Kontakion - Tone 4

As You are radiant with the beauty of the priesthoodand adorned with the blood of martyrdom,Now standing before Christwith those who suffered with you,remember us, O holy martyr Patrick.

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