Saint
Martha
Venerable Martha, mother of St. Symeon the Stylite
New Calendar September 1 Old Calendar September 14
Why they are a saint
Saint Martha lived in Cilicia of Asia Minor during the fourth and fifth centuries, and came from a poor family. The Orthodox Church commemorates Martha on September 1.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Martha as a patron when they bear the name Martha at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 1. As a monastic, she is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Martha, 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.