"Little is known of the holy Martyr Phanurius, except that which is depicted concerning his martyrdom on his holy icon, which was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes, when the Moslems ruled there. Thus he is called "the Newly-Revealed." The faithful pray to Saint Phanurius especially to help them recover things that have been lost, and because he has answered their prayers so often, the custom has arisen of baking the Phaneropita ('Phanarius-Cake') as a thank-offering." (Great Horologion)
There is a tradition that his mother was a great sinner, and that he was unable to convert her in her lifetime. After her death he prayed more for her salvation than for his own. As he was being stoned to death, he prayed: 'For the sake of these my sufferings, Lord, help all those who will pray to Thee for the salvation of Phanurius' sinful mother.' So, in Egypt, where he is much revered, many Christians pray 'O Lord, save Phanurius' mother and help me, a sinner.'
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.
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