Saint
Mark the Hermit
New Calendar May 20 Old Calendar June 2
Why they are a saint
Marcus Eremita, Mark the Ascetic or Marcus the Ascetic was a Christian theologian, saint, and ascetic writer of the fifth century AD. Mark is rather an ascetic than a dogmatic writer. He is content to accept dogmas from the Church; his interest is in the spiritual life as it should be led by monks.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Mark the Hermit as a patron when they bear the name Mark at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 20. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Mark the Hermit, 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.