Saint
Macarius the Faster
Venerable Macarius the Faster, of the Kiev Near Caves
New Calendar January 19 Old Calendar February 1
Why they are a saint
Saint Macarius the Faster of the Near Caves of Kiev was a deacon. He is commemorated on January 19 because of his namesake, Saint Macarius of Egypt. Saint Macarius of the Near Caves (twelfth century) is also commemorated on September 28. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Macarius the Faster as a patron when they bear the name Macarius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 19. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Macarius the Faster, 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.