Hierarch
Athanasius of Constantinople
Saint Athanasius, Patriarch of Constantinople
New Calendar October 24 Old Calendar November 6
Why they are a saint
As Patriarch of Constantinople, Athanasius of Constantinople is numbered with the saints of the Church. Holy hierarchs are venerated because they guarded the faith and shepherded a local church. The faithful ask his prayers as they do of the bishops who shepherded the Church.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Athanasius of Constantinople as a patron when they bear the name Athanasius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 24. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Athanasius of Constantinople, 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.