Saint
Maximus the Confessor
New Calendar August 13 Old Calendar August 26
Why they are a saint
Maximus the Confessor, also spelled Maximos, otherwise known as Maximus the Theologian and Maximus of Constantinople, was a Christian monk, theologian, and Neoplatonic scholar. In his early life, Maximus was a civil servant, and an aide to the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius. He gave up this life in the political sphere to enter the monastic life.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Maximus the Confessor as a patron when they bear the name Maximus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 13.
Prayer
O holy Maximus the Confessor, 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.