Saint
Damian
Venerable Damian, Ascetic of the Syrian Deserts
New Calendar February 23 Old Calendar March 7
Why they are a saint
Saint Damian lived in the thirteenth century. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Damian as a patron when they bear the name Damian at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 23. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Damian, 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.