Saint
Anatole I of Optina
Venerable Anatole I of Optina
New Calendar January 25 Old Calendar February 7
Why they are a saint
Saint Anatole (Zertsalov) was born with the name Alexis in the village of Bobolya on March 24, 1824. The Orthodox Church commemorates Anatole I of Optina on January 25.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Anatole I of Optina as a patron when they bear the name Anatole at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 25. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Anatole I 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.