Saint Porphyrius

Saint Porphyrius was the Archbishop of Gaza and made significant contributions to Christianity. He is recognized for his efforts to Christianize the predominantly pagan population of Gaza, as described in his biography, Vita Porphyrii, by Mark the Deacon. Born into a wealthy family in Thessaloniki in 346, Porphyrius chose a monastic life early on. At twenty-five, he left Thessaloniki for Egypt, where he lived under Saint Macarios the Great in the Nitrian Desert and met Saint Jerome. Later, he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, seeking to venerate the Cross of the Lord.

After five years of asceticism, Porphyrius fell seriously ill and returned to Jerusalem to pray for healing. At Golgotha, he fell into a trance and envisioned Jesus, who instructed him to "Take this Wood and preserve it." Upon awakening, he was healed and chose to donate his wealth to the poor, working as a shoemaker. At forty-five, he was ordained by the Patriarch of Jerusalem and became the custodian of the Holy Cross. In 395 AD, after the death of Gaza's bishop, Metropolitan John appointed Porphyrius to combat the hostility of pagans in Gaza. Despite initial apprehension, he accepted the role with dedication.

In 401 AD, the emperor issued an edict that led to the destruction of pagan temples in Gaza and supported the construction of a church on the site of a significant pagan temple. This church was completed in 425 AD, after the death of Porphyrius, who had guided his community for twenty-five years until he passed away in 420 AD. During his lifetime, he performed numerous miracles and healings. The Crusaders rebuilt the church in the 1150s, dedicating it to St. Porphyrius. A renovation took place in 1856, and much of the church still stands today, reflecting the region's rich Christian history.

Saint Porphyrius, obtain for us the strength and wisdom to walk the path of humility and love in our lives.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.