Saint
Joseph the Betrothed
Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed
New Calendar December 29 Old Calendar January 11
Why they are a saint
Saint Joseph the Betrothed was of the lineage of King David. He had four sons from his previous marriage: James, Judah, Joses, and Simon (or Symeon), and three daughters: Esther, Martha, and Salome, who was the mother of Saint John the Theologian. Venerated as righteous, one who pleased God by a holy life in the world.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Joseph the Betrothed as a patron when they bear the name Joseph at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 29.
Prayer
O holy Joseph the Betrothed, 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.