Venerable-Martyr Pansophius of Alexandria
d. c. 249-251
A desert ascetic who gave his inheritance to the poor and was tortured to death for confessing Christ.
The Holy Venerable-Martyr Pansophius of Alexandria
Life
Pansophius of Alexandria was an ascetic and martyr of the third century, honored as a venerable-martyr, that is, a monk who was put to death for the faith. He is commemorated on January 15.
By the accounts he was the son of Nilus, a proconsul of Alexandria. After his father's death he distributed his inheritance to the poor and withdrew into the desert, where he lived in asceticism for twenty-seven years.
During the persecution under the emperor Decius, who reigned from 249 to 251, Pansophius was seized and tortured to death for confessing Christ.
Troparion1 hymnReadHide
The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Father,
for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing you taught us to disregard the flesh for it passes away
but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore your spirit, venerable Pansophius, rejoices with the angels.
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
Related Saints1 saintShowHide
Saints connected to his life, mission, and place in Orthodox tradition.
Browse similar saints by calling and place.