Hieromartyr Pancras (Pankratios), Bishop of Taormina

Marcellus, the father of Pancras, was originally a follower of Simon Magus, but turned to the true faith through the teaching and miracles of the Apostle Peter, whom he then followed together with his son. Marcellus later became bishop of Syracuse, while Pancras became bishop of Tauromenium (modern Taormina) in Sicily.

Philagrius, who served with distinction as bishop of Cyprus, is honored together with them; all three spent their lives amid constant trials in the exercise of their pastoral duties.

Scholars regard Pancras's life as purely traditional material, but his memory is already attested in 5th-century martyrologies, and in 591 a church was built in his honor in Messina.