The origins of Saint Phanourius remain uncertain, but tradition holds that his icon was discovered on the island of Rhodes during repairs to the city walls in the late 15th or early 16th century. Amid the ruins of a church, workers found several damaged icons, but one—depicting a young soldier named Saint Phanourius—was miraculously intact. The icon showed scenes of his martyrdom, including torture and trials, confirming him as a saint. When the bishop of Rhodes, Nilus, attempted to restore the church, initial requests to the Moslem ruler were denied, prompting him to obtain permission directly from Constantinople.

Later, three Cretan priests captured and enslaved by Moslems on Rhodes prayed to Saint Phanourius for deliverance. The saint appeared in visions, warning their masters to release them or face divine punishment. After ignoring the warning, the captors were struck blind and paralyzed. Following Saint Phanourius’ final demand and the priests’ prayers, the masters granted freedom in writing. Once the documents were placed before the icon, the afflicted were healed, and the priests returned to Crete in gratitude. Known for helping recover lost items—due to his name’s link to the Greek word phanerono (“to reveal”)—Saint Phanourius is honored by baking bread in his name, especially with prayers for his mother’s soul.

Troparion — Tone 4

A heavenly song of praise is chanted radiantly upon the earth / the company of angels now joyfully celebrates an earthly festival, / and from on high with hymns they praise your contests, / and from below, the church proclaims the heavenly glory / which you have found by your labors and struggles, / O glorious Phanourius.

Kontakion — Tone 3

You saved the priests from an ungodly captivity, / and broke their bonds by divine power, O godly-minded one; / you bravely put to shame the audacity of the tyrants, / and made glad the orders of the angels, O great martyr. / Therefore, we honor you, O divine warrior, glorious Phanourius.