Saint of the day - 08 July - Saint Procopius (303) - Saint Procopius of Scythopolis

Saint Procopius three hundred and three after Christ - July 8th
Saint Procopius was a native of Jerusalem but lived in Beth-shean, formerly called Scythopolis, where he was a reader at mass in the church and also performed the role of exorcist, expelling demons, as well as interpreting the Greek language into Syro-Chaldaic.
He was a Divine man, say his Acts, and always lived in the practice of great austerity and patience, and in perpetual chastity. He ate only bread and water and often abstained from any food for two or three days at a time. He was well versed in the sciences of the Greeks, but much more so in the sacred scriptures, whose assiduous meditation nourished his soul and also seemed to invigorate and strengthen his slender body. He was admirable in all virtues, particularly in heavenly meekness and humility.
The bloody sayings of Diocletian against Christians arrived in Palestine in April 303, and Procopius was the first person to receive the crown of martyrdom for persecution in that country. He was seized in Beth-Shean, arrested at Caesarea along with several others, and hurriedly carried before Paulinus, prefect of the province, the court ordered the Martyr to sacrifice to the Gods. the servant of Christ replied that he would never do it; and declared this with a firmness and resolution that seemed to wound the mayor's heart, as if pierced by a dagger, the martyr added: there is only one God, author and maintainer of the world. the prefect then ordered him to sacrifice to the four emperors, namely, Diocletian Herculius, Galerius and Constantius. Again the saint refused, and had scarcely uttered his answer when the judge pronounced his sentence, and he was immediately led to execution and beheaded. He is honored among the Greeks with the title of "the great Martyr"
Saint Procopius pray for us!
#catholic #catholicchurch #catholicism #catholicsaint #saints