October 22
Philip of Heraclea (+ 304)
Martyr
Practical advice
During this day, accept a setback without complaining with external order and internal recollection.
Biography
Little is known about this Philip, who, being an old and venerable bishop in Heracleia of Thrace, on the Greek coast, died a martyr during the persecution of Diocletian. First the Roman authorities closed his church. The good bishop did not flinch and limited himself to reminding everyone that God does not live within walls but in the hearts of men. Shortly afterward he was required to hand over the sacred books and vessels of the Church, and when he refused, he was arrested and flogged. Afterwards they demanded that he worship the emperor and the Roman gods, and when he also strictly refused, he was thrown into the bonfire where his martyrdom culminated.