St. Phocas the Gardener

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Died: beheaded c.303 in Sinope, Pontus (in modern Turkey)

Patronage: against insect bites, against poisoning, against snake bites, agricultural workers, farm workers, farmers, field hands, boatmen, mariners, sailors, watermen, gardeners, husbandmen, market-gardeners.

Also known as Phocas of Hovenier, Phocas of Sinope, Focas, Fokas

Innkeeper. Gardener. Martyr. Used surplus crops to feed the poor. Even cared for the soldiers sent to execute him for being a Christian; he fed and sheltered them, and dug his own grave.