Saint
Joseph of Optina
Venerable Joseph of Optina († 1911)
New Calendar May 9 Old Calendar May 22
Why they are a saint
Saint Joseph of Optina was born on November 2, 1837 in the village of Gorodishcha in the province of Kharkov. The Orthodox Church commemorates Joseph of Optina on May 9.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Joseph of Optina as a patron when they bear the name Joseph at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 9. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Joseph of Optina, 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.