Saint
Athanasius the Recluse of the Kiev Caves
Venerable Athanasius the Recluse of the Kiev Caves
New Calendar December 2 Old Calendar December 15
Why they are a saint
Saint Athanasius, Recluse of the Far Caves of Kiev is mentioned in the Fourth Ode of the general Canon of the Monastic Fathers of the Far Caves. The Orthodox Church commemorates Athanasius the Recluse of the Kiev Caves on December 2.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Athanasius the Recluse of the Kiev Caves as a patron when they bear the name Athanasius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 2. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Athanasius the Recluse 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.