Saint
John the Foreigner
St John, Archbishop of Novgorod
New Calendar September 20 Old Calendar October 3
Why they are a saint
Saint Bishop Ioann II (John) of Novgorod (Russian: Иоанн Новгородский, his name upon entering the Great Schema and the name by which he is known in Russian Orthodox hagiography), before 1185 known as Ilya of Novgorod was Archbishop of Novgorod from 1165 to his death in 1186. The Orthodox Church commemorates John the Foreigner on September 20.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take John the Foreigner as a patron when they bear the name John at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 20. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy John the Foreigner, 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.