Martyr · 1522
Philothea the Monastic
Venerable Philothea of Athens († 1589)
New Calendar February 19 Old Calendar March 3
Why they are a saint
The Monastic Martyr Philothea was born in Athens in 1522. Her parents, Syriga and Angelos Benizelos, were renowned not only for being eminent and rich, but also deeply devout. Often the kind-hearted Syriga had implored the Most Holy Theotokos for a child. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Philothea the Monastic as a patron when they bear the name Philothea at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 19. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Philothea the Monastic, 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.