Saint
Gregory the Byzantine
Venerable Gregory the Byzantine
New Calendar April 6 Old Calendar April 19
Why they are a saint
Saint Gregory was a native of Constantinople, and pursued an ascetic life on Mt. Athos in the Lavra of Saint Athanasius (July 5). He was the spiritual guide of Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14). Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Gregory the Byzantine as a patron when they bear the name Gregory at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 6. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Gregory the Byzantine, 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.