New martyr
Peter the Aleut
Holy New Martyr Peter the Aleut
New Calendar December 12 Old Calendar December 25
Why they are a saint
Peter the Aleut, born Cungagnaq, is venerated as a martyr and saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church. He was a native of Kodiak Island, and received the Christian name of Peter when he was baptized into the Orthodox faith by the monks of St Herman's missionaries operating in the north. In 1815, he was allegedly captured by Spanish soldiers near San Pedro, tortured and killed either there or at a nearby location.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Peter the Aleut as a patron when they bear the name Peter at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 12. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Peter the Aleut, 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.