Venerable · c. 300–391
Macarius the Great of Egypt
Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt
New Calendar January 19 Old Calendar February 1
Why they are a saint
Macarius the Great of Egypt was desert father of Scetis, teacher of prayer; the Macarian homilies (associated with his name) shaped later hesychasm. The years given for this life are c. 300–391. The faithful look to his monastic life as a pattern of repentance and prayer.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of monastics, spiritual counsel (when of Egypt / Optina), because he lived the monastic life of prayer and asceticism.
Prayer
O holy Macarius the Great of Egypt, 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.
Do not confuse with Macarius of Alexandria (same day!); Macarius of Optina; many Russian Macariuses.