Saint
Mercurius the Faster of the Kiev Caves
Venerable Mercurius, the Faster of the Kievan Far Caves, Bishop of Smolensk (14th C)
New Calendar November 4 Old Calendar November 17
Why they are a saint
Venerable Mercurius, the Faster of the Kievan Far Caves, Bishop of Smolensk (14th C) is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on November 4. Venerated as a hierarch, a bishop who shepherded the Church in holiness; little else about his life has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Mercurius the Faster of the Kiev Caves as a patron when they bear the name Mercurius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 4. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Mercurius the Faster of the Kiev Caves, 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.