Saint
Joseph the Much-Ailing
Venerable Joseph the Much-Ailing, of the Kiev Far Caves
New Calendar April 4 Old Calendar April 17
Why they are a saint
Saint Joseph the Much-Ailing lived during the fourteenth century. In his grievous illness he turned to God with prayer and vowed that if the Lord granted him health, he would then serve the brethren of the Kiev Caves monastery until the end of his days. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Joseph the Much-Ailing as a patron when they bear the name Joseph at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 4. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Joseph the Much-Ailing, 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.