Fool-for-Christ
John and Symeon the Fool for Christ
New Calendar July 21 Old Calendar August 3
Why they are a saint
John and Symeon the Fool for Christ are commemorated by the Orthodox Church on July 21. Venerated as fool-for-Christ, one who took on outward foolishness for the sake of Christ; little else about their lives has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take John and Symeon the Fool for Christ as a patron when they bear the name John at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 21.
Prayer
O holy John and Symeon the Fool for Christ, 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.