Pancras of Taormina
Pancras of Taormina is a Christian martyr venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. His hagiography is considered legendary, but he is recorded in early martyrologies as the first Bishop of Tauromenium (modern Taormina), Sicily. He is chiefly remembered for his martyrdom by stoning and his patronage of Taormina.
- Feast Day
- July 9
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Pancras is commemorated on July 8 and April 3 in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum.
- ›According to legend, he was born in Antioch and sent to Sicily by Saint Peter to be the first Bishop of Tauromenium.
- ›He died by stoning at the hands of pagan opponents.
- ›He is the patron saint of Taormina and Canicattì.
- ›His feast day was entered as April 3 in the Roman Martyrology, later amended to July 8, but he is often celebrated on July 9, the traditional day of his martyrdom.
- ›A portion of his relics are preserved at Rome, and another portion is kept on Mount Athos.
Pankratios, Pancrazio, Bagarat
Taormina, Canicattì
Bishop's Vestments, Cross, Gospel Book
About Pancras of Taormina
Pancras of Taormina, also known as Pancratius or Pankratios, is an Italian saint venerated as a Christian martyr. While his surviving hagiography is considered purely legendary, he is recorded in some early martyrologies, indicating an early veneration of his memory.
Life and Historical Context
According to the legendary Life of Saint Pankratios of Taormina, he was born in Antioch in Cilicia. He is said to have traveled to Jerusalem with his parents during the earthly ministry of Jesus, and his entire family was later baptized in Antioch. Following this, Pancras is said to have withdrawn to a cave in Pontus, where he was discovered by Saint Peter. Peter then allegedly sent him to Sicily in the year 40 AD to become the first Bishop of Tauromenium, the ancient name for modern Taormina.
Martyrdom and Veneration
Pancras is believed to have met his death by stoning at the hands of pagan opponents of the new religion in Taormina. He is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, where he is recognized as a Hieromartyr. His cult is particularly concentrated on the island of Sicily, where the veneration of saints from the eastern Mediterranean was encouraged during the period of Byzantine rule.
His feast day was entered into the Roman Martyrology as April 3, but this was later amended to July 8. More commonly, he is celebrated on July 9, which is traditionally considered the day of his martyrdom. The Eastern Orthodox Church also venerates him on July 9 (July 22, New Style) and on February 9, alongside martyrs Marcellus and Philagrus. The Armenian Apostolic Church venerates him on the Thursday following the first Sunday of Advent, where he is known as Bagarat.
Iconography and Patronage
In art, St Pancras is depicted as an old man with gray hair, vested as a bishop. He is often shown holding a cross in his right hand, which commemorates a miracle attributed to him where he supposedly saved the city of Taormina from destruction by a pagan commander named Aquilinus. He holds a Gospel book in his left hand, representing his preaching of the Christian faith. He is the patron saint of Taormina and Canicattì.
It is important to distinguish Pancras of Taormina from Saint Pancras of Rome, a young martyr who was beheaded around the year 304 AD. Most churches bearing the name Pancras are not connected to the Taormina saint.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pancras of Taormina?
Pancras of Taormina was a Christian martyr and the legendary first Bishop of Tauromenium (modern Taormina) in Sicily. His surviving hagiography is considered purely legendary.
When is the feast day of Pancras of Taormina?
While his feast day was entered into the Roman Martyrology as April 3 and later amended to July 8, he is more often celebrated on July 9, which is considered the traditional day of his martyrdom. The Eastern Orthodox Church also venerates him on July 9.
What is Pancras of Taormina known for?
He is chiefly remembered as a martyr who died by stoning at the hands of pagan opponents of Christianity. He is also the patron saint of Taormina and Canicattì.
Where are the relics of Pancras of Taormina preserved?
The largest portion of his relics are preserved at Rome, and a portion is also kept on Mount Athos.
How is Pancras of Taormina depicted in art?
In iconography, he is depicted as an old man with grey hair, vested as a bishop. He typically holds a cross in his right hand, commemorating a miracle where he saved Taormina, and a Gospel book in his left, representing his preaching.
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