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Saint
James the Solitary of Syria
Venerable James the Hermit of Syria († 457)
New Calendar November 26 Old Calendar December 9
Why they are a saint
Saint James the Solitary (Hermit) was the disciple of Saint Maron (February 14). He lived in asceticism on a mountain not far from the city of Cyrrhus in Syria. He suffered grievous ills, but he always wore chains, ate food only in the evening, and prayed constantly. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take James the Solitary of Syria as a patron when they bear the name James at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 26. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy James the Solitary of Syria, 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.