Martyr
Michael
Martyr Michael, Abbot in Armenia, and 36 Fathers with him
New Calendar October 1 Old Calendar October 14
Why they are a saint
The Monastic Martyr Michael was the Igoumen of Zobē Monastery (Μονή Ζώβη), near Sebastopol in Armenia. There he labored in asceticism with thirty-six other monks at the end of the VIII century, during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VI and his mother Empress Irene. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Michael as a patron when they bear the name Michael at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 1. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Michael, 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.