St. Patrick Bishop of Prusa – Saint of the Day

Commemoration of Hieromartyr Patrick, Bishop of Prusa, and His Companions
Remembered on May 19

Hieromartyr Patrick, Bishop of Prusa, is celebrated for his unwavering faith and courageous preaching in the first century. Serving as bishop in Prusa, a city in Bythnia (Asia Minor), Saint Patrick was known for his fearless proclamation of Christ and his denunciation of pagan practices. His steadfast faith led to his arrest alongside priests Acacius, Menander, and Polyainus. They were brought before Julius, the city prefect, for questioning.
Julius, en route to the hot springs for treatment, commanded that the bishop and his companions be brought in chains. After bathing in the springs, Julius performed a ritual sacrifice to his gods. He then summoned Patrick and the others, demanding they sacrifice to the pagan gods, threatening severe punishment for refusal.
Saint Patrick responded with conviction, declaring, “I am a Christian and I worship the one true God, Jesus Christ, who created the heavens, the earth, and these warm springs for the benefit of all mankind.”
Enraged by Patrick’s steadfastness, Julius ordered him to be thrown into the hot springs. Demonstrating his unshakable faith, the saint prayed, “Lord, Jesus Christ, help Your servant,” and emerged unharmed from the boiling waters.
In a fit of frustration, Julius sentenced Saint Patrick and his three presbyters to beheading. They accepted martyrdom with grace and received their crowns of unfading glory from Christ around the year 100.
This commemoration reminds us of the power of faith and the ultimate sacrifice made by those who stood firm in their belief, even in the face of death.