Saint · † 272
Sabbas
Martyr Sabbas Stratelates “the General” of Rome and 70 soldiers with him († 272)
New Calendar April 24 Old Calendar May 7
Why they are a saint
The Martyr Sava came from a Gothic tribe. For his bravery he attained the high rank of military-commander or “stratilates,” and he served under the Roman emperor Aurelian (270-275).From the time of his youth Sava was a Christian and he fervently followed the commands of Christ,—he helped the needy and visited Christians locked up in prison. For his pure and virtuous life the saint received from the Lord the gift of wonderworking and in the Name of Christ he healed the sick and cast out demons.When the emperor learned that Saint Sava was a Christian, he demanded that he apostacise.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Sabbas as a patron when they bear the name Sabbas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on April 24. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Sabbas, 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.