Martyr
Edward the Martyr of England
Edward the Martyr, King of England
New Calendar March 18 Old Calendar March 31
Why they are a saint
Edward the Martyr was King of the English from 8 July 975 until he was killed in 978. He was the eldest son of King Edgar. On Edgar's death, the succession to the throne was contested between Edward's supporters and those of his younger half-brother, the future King Æthelred the Unready.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Edward the Martyr of England as a patron when they bear the name Edward at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 18. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Edward the Martyr of England, 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.