Saint
Mark the Grave-Digger
Venerable Mark the Grave-Digger, Theophilus and John of the Kiev Caves (11th-12th C)
New Calendar December 29 Old Calendar January 11
Why they are a saint
Saints Mark the Grave-Digger, Theophilus and John are mentioned in the Kiev Caves Paterikon. The Orthodox Church commemorates Mark the Grave-Digger on December 29.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Mark the Grave-Digger as a patron when they bear the name Mark at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 29. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Mark the Grave-Digger, 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.