Feast of San Pancrazio di Taormina

San Pancrazio di Taormina, ora pro nobis

July 9th is the Feast of San Pancrazio di Taormina, Bishop, Missionary and Martyr. He is the patron saint of Taormina (ME) and Canicatti (AG) in Sicily. Born in Antioch, Cilicia, he visited Jerusalem as a young boy with his father to see Our Lord Jesus Christ in person. Returning to Antioch, the youth was baptized and instructed in the Faith by St. Peter. In due course St. Peter sent San Pancrazio to Sicily and he became the first bishop of Taormina. He was stoned to death by pagans for refusing to kiss a graven image.

In celebration, I’m posting the prayers to St. Pancratius, Hieromartyr from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home. They are meant for private use.

Pictured is a detail of the Martyrdom of San Pancrazio di Taormina from the 2015 feast program. Evviva San Pancrazio Vescovo!

Troparia

Troparion Tone 8 Like an arrow on fire, you were aimed at Tauromeno to kill the godless and to bring light to the faithful of that place. You strengthened them in the faith by your preaching, and you finished your work by spilling your blood. O martyred priest, Pancratius, pray for your flock and for all who cherish your memory.

Kontakion Tone 4 You appeared to the people of Tauromeno as a star, and you became a martyr-priest for Christ, Pancratius. As you stand before Him, pray for us who love you. 

Stichera from for a Hieromartyr.

Sessional Hymns from the weekday.