Saint
Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet
Venerable Barsanuphius the Great and Venerable John the Prophet (6th C)
New Calendar February 6 Old Calendar February 19
Why they are a saint
Saint Barsanuphius the Great, who was from Egypt, and his disciple, Saint John the Prophet, struggled in very strict reclusion during the sixth century at the monastery of Abba Seridus at Gaza of Palestine, and were endowed with amazing gifts of prophecy and spiritual discernment. The Orthodox Church commemorates Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet on February 6.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet as a patron when they bear the name Barsanuphius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 6. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet, 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.