Hierarch
John of Riga and Latvia
New Martyr John, Archbishop of Riga and Latvia
New Calendar October 12 Old Calendar October 25
Why they are a saint
John of Riga and Latvia served as Archbishop of Riga and Latvia. Holy hierarchs are venerated because they guarded the faith and shepherded a local church. The faithful ask his prayers as they do of the bishops who shepherded the Church. The New Calendar feast is October 12.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take John of Riga and Latvia as a patron when they bear the name John at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 12. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy John of Riga and Latvia, 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.