Saint Tryphon of Lampsacus

Biography

Saint Tryphon of Lampsacus, also known as Tryphon of Camposede, Tryphon of Campsada, Tryphon of Kampsade, Tryphon of Lampsakos, Tryphon of Phrygia, Tryphon the Martyr, Trypho, Trifon, Trifone, Trifun, and Tripun, was born around 222 in Kampsade, Phrygia, which is in modern-day Turkey. He was raised in a Christian family but faced the loss of his father at a young age. Despite this hardship, he was fortunate to be raised by his devout mother Eukaria. During his youth, Tryphon worked as a goose-herd, tending to geese. It was during this time that he discovered his remarkable gift of healing, not only humans but also animals. One notable account of his healing occurred when Tryphon was summoned to the palace of Emperor Gordian III to treat the demonic possession of the emperor's daughter. The demon manifested as a black dog before being compelled by Tryphon to confess its malevolent deeds and ultimately disappear. Tryphon's reputation as a healer extended beyond demonic exorcisms. He was renowned for his ability to pray away disasters as well. On one occasion, his village faced a devastating locust swarm that threatened their grain harvest. However, Tryphon's fervent prayers miraculously turned the swarm away, saving the crops and the livelihood of the people. Aside from his healing abilities, Tryphon was also a persuasive speaker and catechist. Through his eloquence and dedication, he was able to convert many individuals to the Christian faith, even including some pagan imperial officials. However, the changing tides of persecution under Emperor Decius would soon put a halt to his evangelizing work. During the persecutions, Tryphon was arrested and subjected to severe torture for refusing to renounce his faith. Despite the agonizing torment, he remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ. Ultimately, Tryphon was martyred through beheading in the city of Nicaea, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Iznik, Turkey) around the year 251. After his martyrdom, Tryphon's relics were initially buried in his hometown of Kampsade, Phrygia. However, they were later transferred to Constantinople. In 809, while en route to Venice, Italy, bad weather forced the transport ship to take shelter in Kotor, Montenegro. Here, the relics found a temporary home within the local cathedral. In subsequent years, the relics were further transferred to Rome, Italy, where they were housed in the church of San Trifon and the Santo Spirito hospital in Sassi. Recognizing the significance of Tryphon's relics, Pope Pius V officially transferred them to the church of Sant'Agostino in Rome in 1566. Today, some of the relics also find their place of veneration in the Saint Tryphon church in the Naprudna district of Moscow, Russia. Saint Tryphon of Lampsacus is venerated as a pre-Congregation saint and is recognized as the patron saint against evil spirits, insects, birds, falconers, gardeners, grain, and harvested crops. Additionally, he holds patronage over Cattaro, Dalmatia; Iznik, Turkey; Kotor, Montenegro; Moscow, Russia; Nicaea, Bithynia; and various locations in Italy, including Adelfia, Alessandria, Alessano, Cerignola, Marzano di Nola, Monacizzo, Montrone, Onano, and Pulsàno. Saint Tryphon is often depicted in religious iconography exorcising a demon from a girl in a palace, accompanied by a goose to signify his past occupation. Other representations include lilies that are said to have bloomed out of season when his relics were moved, a young boy defeating a dragon as a symbol of his ability to chase out devils and evil, and a boy receiving a crown of flowers from an angel to represent his martyrdom. Additional representations include a black dog, which signifies the form a demon took upon being driven out, a man being burned with torches, a man holding a small cross, a man with a falcon on his arm, and a man with his feet nailed to the ground, connecting to the tortures he endured during persecution. The feast days of Saint Tryphon of Lampsacus are celebrated on 1 February, 10 November (translation of relics), and 13 January (translation of relics). Today, Saint Tryphon's life and martyrdom continue to inspire and strengthen the faith of believers, who seek his intercession against evil forces and the protection of their crops and livestock.