Porphyry was born in Thessalonica around 347 and spent years as a monk in the Egyptian desert and as a hermit near the Jordan before being ordained a priest in Jerusalem, where he was entrusted with the relic of the True Cross. Around 395 he was made bishop of Gaza, a city then largely pagan, and he labored patiently there amid opposition, winning converts through his charity to the poor. He died in Gaza around the year 420.
Porphyry gave away his wealth to the poor and chose a hard mission field over comfort, trusting God in a city that did not welcome him. His steady, gentle perseverance shows that faith grows not by force of argument but by patient love, prayer, and generosity that outlasts every hardship.
Lord God, who gave Saint Porphyry a shepherd's patient and generous heart, help us to love the poor and to persevere gently in faith, and welcome into Your light all whom we love and miss. Amen.