No icon yet
Hieromartyr
Silvanus
Hieromartyr Silvanus the Bishop of Gaza, and with him 40 Martyrs († 311)
New Calendar May 4 Old Calendar May 17
Why they are a saint
Saint Silvanus came from the vicinity of the city of Gaza, and was a soldier. Desiring to serve the heavenly King, he became a priest, and was consecrated Bishop of Gaza. Saint Silvanus converted many pagans to Christ. Venerated as a hieromartyr, a clergyman who was put to death for the faith in Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Silvanus as a patron when they bear the name Silvanus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 4. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Silvanus, 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.