Saint · 1917
John Kochurov
Holy Hieromartyr John Kochurov, First Hieromartyr of the Russian Revolution (1917)
New Calendar November 12 Old Calendar November 25
Why they are a saint
He was born in Russia in 1871, and as a young priest was sent to America as a missionary. There he worked zealously (he was instrumental in the building of the Orthodox cathedral in Chicago) until he was called back to Russia just before the October Revolution in 1917. Only six days after the Bolsheviks seized power, he was beaten to death in the street by a gang of Bolshevik sailors in Tsarskoye Selo near St Petersburg.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take John Kochurov as a patron when they bear the name John at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 12. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy John Kochurov, 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.