Hieromartyr
Irenaeus of Sirmium
Hieromartyr Irenaeus, Bishop of Sirmium
New Calendar March 26 Old Calendar April 8
Why they are a saint
As Bishop of Sirmium, Irenaeus of Sirmium is numbered with the saints of the Church. Irenaeus of Sirmium was an Illyrian bishop of Sirmium in Pannonia, which is now Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia. The calendar keeps his martyrdom as a testimony under persecution.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Irenaeus of Sirmium as a patron when they bear the name Irenaeus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 26. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Irenaeus of Sirmium, 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.