Great martyr
Nicholas of Sofia (Bulgaria)
Great Martyr Nicholas of Sofia (Bulgaria)
New Calendar May 17 Old Calendar May 30
Why they are a saint
Nicholas of Sofia (Bulgaria) is commemorated as a great martyr of the Church. Great martyrs are remembered for a public, costly confession of Christ unto death. The Church ranks him among the great martyrs, whose public witness was especially costly.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nicholas of Sofia (Bulgaria) as a patron when they bear the name Nicholas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 17. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Nicholas of Sofia (Bulgaria), 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.