Hieromartyr
Metrophanes (Chang Tzi-tzung)
Hieromartyr Metrophanes (Chang Tzi-tzung), first Chinese priest and the martyrs of the Boxer Rising in China
New Calendar June 11 Old Calendar June 24
Why they are a saint
Metrophanes (Chang Tzi-tzung) is commemorated as a hieromartyr of the Church. Metrophanes of Byzantium was bishop of Byzantium from c. 306 to 314. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. The Church honors him as a hieromartyr, one who died for Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Metrophanes (Chang Tzi-tzung) as a patron when they bear the name Metrophanes at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on June 11. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Metrophanes (Chang Tzi-tzung), 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.