Saint
Gerontius the Canonarch of the Kiev Far Caves
Venerable Gerontius the Canonarch of the Kiev Far Caves (14th C)
New Calendar April 1 Old Calendar April 14
Why they are a saint
Saint Gerontius lived during the fourteenth century. He was a monk of the Kiev Caves Monastery and fulfilled the obedience of canonarch (leader of church singing). He spent all his life at the monastery, in ascetic deeds of abstinence, obedience, and prayer. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Gerontius the Canonarch of the Kiev Far Caves as a patron when they bear the name Gerontius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 1. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Gerontius the Canonarch of the Kiev Far Caves, 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.