Saint
Ambrose of Optina
Saint Ambrose, Elder of Optina, the Wonderworker († 1891)
New Calendar October 10 Old Calendar October 23
Why they are a saint
Alexander Michailovich Grenkov was born Nov. 23, 1812 in the Russian province of Tambov. His parents raised him strictly and with fervent piety. Since he was of a priestly family, it was no surprise when he entered the Tambov theological seminary in 1830. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Ambrose of Optina as a patron when they bear the name Ambrose at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 10. Russian Orthodox faithful also honor his as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Ambrose of Optina, 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.