He was a commander in the Roman army who refused to renounce his faith despite facing persecution which led to his torture and martyrdom.

Prior to a battle, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, and presented him a flaming sword that would lead him to victory

Well known story: Many years later, St. Basil prayed in front of St. Philopateer’s icon asking him to intercede to God to stop Emperor Julian’s persecution of the Christians. The figure of St Philopateer disappeared from the icon and Emperor Julian died in battle.