Pancras of Taormina

Saint Pancras of Taormina is traditionally said to have been born in Antioch in Cilicia, in the eastern Mediterranean. According to ancient Christian legend, he journeyed with his parents to Jerusalem during the time of Jesus, and later the whole family received baptism in Antioch. Seeking a life of prayer, Pancras is remembered as withdrawing to a cave in Pontus, where he was found by Saint Peter and sent, around the year 40, to Sicily to preach the Gospel. In Taormina (ancient Tauromenium) he is honored as the first bishop, a shepherd who strengthened the young Church through preaching and pastoral care. His witness was sealed in martyrdom: tradition holds that he was stoned to death by opponents of the new faith, and so he is venerated as a hieromartyr in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Devotion to him has long been especially strong in Sicily, and he is patron of Taormina, Valdina, and Zagarise. His feast day is celebrated on July 9.