Saint
Ammon the recluse of the Kiev Caves
Venerable Ammon and Venerable Paul the Simple, of Egypt
New Calendar October 4 Old Calendar October 17
Why they are a saint
Our holy Father Ammon’s parents died in his childhood. He was brought up by an uncle, who made him marry when he was still very young. On the night of his wedding, as soon as he and his wife retired to the bridal chamber, Ammon took up the holy Scriptures and read the passage in the Epistle to the Corinthians where the Apostle speaks of the disadvantages of marriage because of all the troubles and cares that come with it, while virgins consecrated to the Lord can devote themselves without distraction to prayer and to spiritual labour.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Ammon the recluse of the Kiev Caves as a patron when they bear the name Ammon at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 4. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Ammon the recluse of the Kiev Caves, 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.