Hagıos Phokas
St. Phocas

Summary/Abstract: Sainthood, which is accepted as consecrated and relic in Christianity, used to have an important value in Byzantine belief culture. In this culture that varied by region, some common attributions and name similarities draw the attention time to time. It can be clearly seen that Hagios Phokas, accepted sacred in the Black sea region, has an idiosyncratic cult similar with Hagios Nikholaus in the Mediterranean. Moreover, Hagios Phokas is argued for having similar features with Hagios Andreas and Diogenes of Sinope. Hagios Phokas’s canonisation is as interesting as his birth, life and death which constitutes the subject of the study. Phoka, who is thought to be born in Herakleia Pontike (Karadeniz Ereglisi) or Sinope (Sinop), is accepted as died in the era of Emperor Traianus (98-117) or in the era of Diocletianus (284-305). Among all this intricacy, one thing is so clear that Phokas is known as helpful, trustful and character-wise. It is also known that he was assassinated in Sinope and many churches were constructed in both Sinope and nearby cities on behalf of his name. In the study, Phokas, Hagios Phokas, Martyr Phokas, Hieromartyr Phokas and Bishop Phokas of Sinope, their identities, misstatements, churches that were constructed for their names and the removal of relics of Phokas into Amaseia (Amasya) after the consecration of him by Asterius, the bishop of Amaseia are discussed. Furthermore it is also aimed to clarify the culture of Helesa that is considered to be related with Phokas and is applied after the 15th day of Ramadan in Sinope.

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