Saint
Beginning of Great Lent
New Calendar March 18 Old Calendar March 31
Why they are a saint
In the Orthodox Church, the last Sunday before Great Lent—the day on which, at Vespers, Lent is liturgically announced and inaugurated—is called Forgiveness Sunday. The Orthodox Church commemorates Beginning of Great Lent on March 18.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Beginning of Great Lent as a patron when they bear the name Beginning at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 18.
Prayer
O holy Beginning of Great Lent, 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.