Hieromartyr
Januarius of Benevento
Hieromartyr Januarius, Bishop of Benevento, and his companions, at Pozzuoli
New Calendar April 21 Old Calendar May 4
Why they are a saint
As Bishop of Benevento, Januarius of Benevento is numbered with the saints of the Church. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. Orthodox Christians remember his blood-witness together with the other hieromartyrs.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Januarius of Benevento 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 of Benevento, 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.