Saint
Anthony of Optina
Venerable Anthony of Optina († 1865)
New Calendar August 7 Old Calendar August 20
Why they are a saint
Saint Anthony (Putilov) was born on March 9, 1795 in the town of Romanov in the Yaroslavl province, and was baptized with the name Alexander. The Orthodox Church commemorates Anthony of Optina on August 7.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Anthony of Optina as a patron when they bear the name Anthony at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 7. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Anthony 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.