Saint · 13th C
Abraham
Venerable Abraham, Archimandrite and Wonderworker of Smolensk (13th C)
New Calendar August 21 Old Calendar September 3
Why they are a saint
The Monk Avraamii (Abraham) of Smolensk, a preacher of repentance and the impending Dread Last Judgement, was born in the mid-XII Century at Smolensk of rich parents, who before him had 12 daughters, and they besought God for a son. The Orthodox Church commemorates Abraham on August 21.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Abraham as a patron when they bear the name Abraham at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 21. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Abraham, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.