Hieromartyr
Januarius and Those With Him
The Holy Hieromartyr Januarius and Those With Him
New Calendar April 21 Old Calendar May 4
Why they are a saint
These martyrs gave glorious witness to Christ during the persecutions of Diocletian. St Januarius, Bishop of Benevento in Italy, was arrested and cast into a burning furnace, but he stood in the midst of the flames, singing praises to God, and emerged unharmed. Venerated as a hieromartyr, a clergyman who was put to death for the faith in Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Januarius and Those With Him as a patron when they bear the name Januarius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 21. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Januarius and Those With Him, 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.