Paphnutius of Jerusalem

Holy Hieromartyr Paphnutius of Jerusalem was a bishop who endured many sufferings at the hands of pagans: he was tortured with fire and wild beasts and then beheaded with the sword.

It is supposed that Paphnutius was a bishop in Egypt and suffered together with many Egyptians sent to work the mines of Palestine during the persecution of Diocletian (284-305).

His relics flowed with myrrh and became famous for miracles. A canon in his honour was written in the time of iconoclasm, before 842, and the last ode of the canon asks for the saint's help in ending the heresies that troubled the Church.

Saint Paphnutius is commemorated on 2 May, in the new style.