Martyr
Arethas, Sisoes and Theophilus, Hermits of the Kiev Caves
Venerable Arethas (12th C), Sisoes (13th C) and Theophilus (12th-13th C), Hermits of the Kiev Caves
New Calendar October 24 Old Calendar November 6
Why they are a saint
The Martyr Aretha and with him 4299 Martyrs suffered for the Lord Jesus Christ in the VI Century. Aretha was governor of the city of Negran in Arabia, the inhabitants of which were Christian. The Arabian (or Omirite) king, Dunaan, who was Jewish, decided to extirpate Christianity from the land, and he issued an edict that all followers of Christ were to be put to death.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Arethas as a patron when they bear the name Arethas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 24. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Arethas, Sisoes and Theophilus, Hermits 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.