Saint Tryphon (or Trypho) was born in the early 3rd century in Phrygia of Asia Minor. In his youth, he tended geese. He was a devout Christian, and was granted the power to work miracles and cast out demons. He was offered rewards, but always refused, and instead preached the Gospel of Christ to those he encountered.

About the year 250, he was reported to the authorities as a Christian, arrested, and taken to Nicaea. He was subjected to many cruel tortures, and endured them all without complaint. He was finally sentenced to beheading, but he prayed for his persecutors and gave up his soul to God before the final blow was struck. After the saint appeared to the Christians of Nicaea in a vision, he was buried in his hometown of Lampascus. His relics were later taken to Constantinople, and then to Rome.

Saint Tryphon is included among the Unmercenary Healers. He is often depicted holding a falcon, and is considered a patron saints of birds and falconry, as well as a protector of gardens against insects. His feast is celebrated on February 1.