Prophet
Malachi
Holy Prophet Malachi
New Calendar January 3 Old Calendar January 16
Why they are a saint
He is the last of the twelve Minor Prophets and the last of all the Prophets of the Old Testament. His name means ‘My Angel’ or ‘My Messenger.’ He returned with the exiled Jews from Babylon and took part in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. His prophecy announces to the ear of faith that the Lord will soon bring the Hebrew priesthood to an end in the coming of Christ, the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2), the eternal Priest.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Malachi as a patron when they bear the name Malachi at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 3. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Malachi, 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.