Saint
Leo
Venerable Leo of Optina
New Calendar October 11 Old Calendar October 24
Why they are a saint
Hieroschemamonk Leonid (Nagolkin) of Optina, also Leo (or Lev) of Optina, was a venerable elder of Optina Monastery and a founder of Optina's eldership. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Leo as a patron when they bear the name Leo at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 11. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Leo, 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.