Saint Mokios the Hieromartyr
Celebration date: 11/05
Light, in the pagan darkness of Rome, were Euphrates and Eustathia (Diocletian 284 – 304 AD). These pious parents passed on this light of the Gospel to their son Mokios. That is why, from a young age, Mokios had a great desire to serve the Church. And God required him to fulfill this Holy desire of his.
After having studied the Holy Scriptures with particular diligence and trained as he should in the knowledge and transmission of religious truths, he became a clergyman at an appropriate age. Later, his excellent services to the Church elevated him to the position of bishop of Amphipolis (Thrace). From this position, Mocius launched scathing checks against the lie of idolatry. He also strove feverishly to strengthen the faith and patience of the faithful of his diocese. Always, of course, with the aim of “training the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians, 4:12). That is, with the aim of training Christians and carrying out the work of ministry, with which the body of Christ is built.
However, Mokius’ intense ministerial activity provoked the wrath of the pagan prefect Laodice, who tortured him in various ways. Later, another prefect, Maximus, tore his flesh and threw him as food for the beasts. He saw, however, that Mokios always came out alive. Then, in the year 288 AD he sent him captive to Byzantium, where he was beheaded, and thus received the crown of martyrdom.
Later, Constantine the Great erected a magnificent temple in honor of Agios Mokios, in which he also deposited his holy relics. In this temple, an imperial attendance took place during the Mid-Pentecost. The holy relic of Saint Samson of Xenodochos was also kept in the temple.
