Saint
Alexander
Venerable Alexander the founder of the Monastery of the “Unsleeping Ones” († c. 430)
New Calendar February 23 Old Calendar March 7
Why they are a saint
He was born sometime in the mid-fourth century on an island in the Aegean. For a time he lived successfully in the world, receiving a good education in Constantinople, then serving for a time for the Prefect of the Praetorium. But, becoming aware of the vanity of worldly things, he answered Christ’s call, gave away all his goods to the poor and entered a monastery in Syria.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Alexander as a patron when they bear the name Alexander at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 23. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Alexander, 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.