Hieromartyr
Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens
Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite, Bishop of Athens
New Calendar October 3 Old Calendar October 16
Why they are a saint
Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens is remembered as Bishop of Athens. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. Orthodox Christians remember his blood-witness together with the other hieromartyrs.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens as a patron when they bear the name Dionysius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 3. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens, 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.