Prophet · 445
Nehemiah
Prophet Nehemiah
New Calendar December 15 Old Calendar December 28
Why they are a saint
The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells of how he returned from the Captivity in Babylon in the twentieth year of the Persian King Artaxerxes (445/444 B.C.) to rebuild Jerusalem and to govern the province. The Orthodox Church commemorates Nehemiah on December 15.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nehemiah as a patron when they bear the name Nehemiah at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 15. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Nehemiah, 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.