Saint
Empress Irene
Venerable Empress Irene, in monasticism Xenia
New Calendar August 13 Old Calendar August 26
Why they are a saint
Saint Irene lived in the XII century and was a beautiful and virtuous daughter. The Emperor Alexios Komnenos noticed her and married her to his son John, who was called Kalioannis because of his many virtues. The virtuous Empress Irene, therefore, spent generously on charitable works. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Empress Irene as a patron when they bear the name Empress at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 13. As a monastic, she is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Empress Irene, 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.