Fool-for-Christ
Procopius the Fool-For-Christ and Wonderworker of Ustya
Righteous Procopius the Fool-For-Christ and Wonderworker of Ustya, Vologda
New Calendar July 8 Old Calendar July 21
Why they are a saint
He was a prominent merchant of German origin. Visiting Novgorod on business, he was so moved by the beauty of Orthodoxy that he embraced the Orthodox faith. Seeking to follow Christ more fully, he gave away all his goods to the poor and lived as an indigent, giving his life to prayer and asceticism but feigning madness to avoid the praise of men.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Procopius the Fool-For-Christ and Wonderworker of Ustya as a patron when they bear the name Procopius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 8. Russian Orthodox faithful also honor his as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Procopius the Fool-For-Christ and Wonderworker of Ustya, 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.