Hieromartyr
Athanasios, Venerable Anthousa, and others
Hieromartyr Athanasios, Venerable Anthousa, and others
New Calendar August 22 Old Calendar September 4
Why they are a saint
Orthodox Christians honor Athanasios, Venerable Anthousa, and others for a confession sealed by death. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. He is venerated because he would not deny the faith, even at the cost of his life.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Athanasios as a patron when they bear the name Athanasios at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 22. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Athanasios, Venerable Anthousa, and others, 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.