Phocas, Bishop of Pontus, Put to Death in a Lime Kiln, and in Boiling Water

Phocas, a son of Pamphilius, was the first bishop of the church in Pontus, in the city of Sinope. In the time of Trajan he was brought before Africanus, the Governor of Pontus, who urged him to sacrifice on the altar of Neptune, and he steadfastly refused to do it. For this the Governor sentenced him to die for the name of Christ. He suffered that death after many pains and torments, and was in this way numbered with his slain fellow brothers. Regarding the death of this man, see A. Mell., 1st book of the Hist. der vervolg. in Mart., folio 27, column 1, ex Adone, in Comment. At. 6. Aster. Orat. de Phoca. Also, concerning the time of his death, for the year 118, see Joh. Gysii Hist. Mart., folio 15, column 4. [n143-1]

As to the manner of his death, P. J. Twisck gives this account: "Phocas, in Pontus, refusing to sacrifice to the gods, was thrust, by the command of Emperor Trajan and for the name of Christ, into a lime kiln full of glowing coals, then cast into boiling water, and so killed." P. J. Twisck, Chronicle, book 2, for the year 118, page 37, column 2, from Adon. Vinnens., book 6, folio 166, Tine folio 519. [n143-2]