Prophet
Samuel
Prophet Samuel
New Calendar August 20 Old Calendar September 2
Why they are a saint
Orthodox Christians honor Samuel as a prophet whose memory the services still name. Samuel is a figure who, in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible, plays a key role in the transition from the biblical judges to the United Kingdom of Israel under Saul, and again in the monarchy's transition from Saul to David. Samuel is the prophet and judge who anointed Saul and David; the books that bear his name are read in the Church. The faithful still hear that prophetic word in the services of the Church.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Samuel as a patron when they bear the name Samuel at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 20. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Samuel, 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.