Saint
John the Anchorite of Egypt
Venerable John the Anchorite of Egypt (4th C)
New Calendar March 29 Old Calendar April 11
Why they are a saint
Saint John the Anchorite: During a persecution against Christians, the devout widow Juliania of Armenia hid from pursuers together with her two young children John and Themistea. The Orthodox Church commemorates John the Anchorite of Egypt on March 29.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take John the Anchorite of Egypt as a patron when they bear the name John at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 29. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy John the Anchorite of Egypt, 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.