Great martyr · unknown (commemorated as a great martyr)
Irene
Great Martyr Irene
New Calendar May 5 Old Calendar May 18
Why they are a saint
The Church commemorates Irene as a great martyr named Irene ('peace'). Several Irenes exist; this is the May 5 great martyr of the OCA calendar. This memory is kept in the whole Orthodox Church. The faithful remember a life offered publicly for the Gospel.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Irene as a patron when they bear the name Irene; Irina at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 5. As a martyr, she is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy 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.
Do not confuse with Irene Chrysovalantou; other virgin-martyr Irenes.