Saint
Saints Barlaam the monk and Prince Ioasaph of India
Venerable Varlaam and Joasaph, Prince of India, and King Abennar, his father (4th C)
New Calendar November 19 Old Calendar December 2
Why they are a saint
These Christian monks are mentioned in The Lives of Saints Barlaam and Ioasaph (November 19), by Saint John of Damascus (December 4). The Orthodox Church commemorates Saints Barlaam the monk and Prince Ioasaph of India on November 19.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Saints Barlaam the monk and Prince Ioasaph of India as a patron when they bear the name Saints at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 19. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Saints Barlaam the monk and Prince Ioasaph of India, 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.