Saint
Nicodemus
Venerable Nicodemus the Hagiorite
New Calendar July 1 Old Calendar July 14
Why they are a saint
Nicodemus the Hagiorite or Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain was a Greek ascetic monk, mystic, theologian, and philosopher, venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His life's work was a revival of traditional Christian practices and patristic literature. He wrote ascetic prayer literature and influenced the rediscovery of hesychasm, a method of contemplative prayer from the Byzantine period.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Nicodemus as a patron when they bear the name Nicodemus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 1. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Nicodemus, 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.