Saint
Bessarion the Great
New Calendar February 20 Old Calendar March 4
Why they are a saint
Bessarion of Egypt, also known as Bessarion of Scetis or Bessarion the Great (4th century – 5th century) was an Egyptian Christian monk who lived around the 4th to 5th century in Egypt, wandering in the Nitrian Desert. As a Desert Father, he is venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, and Roman Catholic Church, the former two commemorate him on 6 June while the latter commemorates him on 17 June.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Bessarion the Great as a patron when they bear the name Bessarion at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 20.
Prayer
O holy Bessarion the Great, 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.