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Martyr
Bessarion
Martyr Bessarion, Bishop of Smolyan
New Calendar July 29 Old Calendar August 11
Why they are a saint
Martyr Bessarion, Bishop of Smolyan is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on July 29. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ; little else about his life has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Bessarion as a patron when they bear the name Bessarion at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 29. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Bessarion, 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.