Martyr
Helena Dragaš
Martyr Hypomone
New Calendar April 5 Old Calendar April 18
Why they are a saint
Helena Dragaš was the Empress consort of the Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos and the mother of the last two emperors, John VIII Palaiologos and Constantine XI Palaiologos. She served as the regent of the Byzantine Empire after the death of her son John VIII in 1448 until the enthronement of her son Constantine XI in 1449. Born into Serbian nobility, she later became a nun and is venerated as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church under her monastic name, Saint Hypomone, which is translated into English as Saint Patience.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Helena Dragaš as a patron when they bear the name Hypomone at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 5. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Helena Dragaš, 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.