Saint
Cleopatra with her son John
Blessed Cleopatra with her son John, in Egypt
New Calendar October 19 Old Calendar November 1
Why they are a saint
Saint Cleopatra came from the village of Edra near Mount Tabor and witnessed the suffering of the martyr Varus, whose body she carried home and buried with reverence. After her only son John, a young officer, died suddenly, she saw Varus and John in a dream crowned in radiant garments and was comforted, then built a church over the relics of Varus and her son. She gave her property to the poor and spent her remaining years in prayer and fasting until her death in 327; she and her son John are venerated together on October 19.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Cleopatra as a patron when they bear the name Cleopatra at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 19. Antiochian Orthodox faithful also honor her as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Cleopatra with her son John, 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.