Saint · 12th C
Spiridon
Venerable Spiridon and Nicodimus, the Prosphora-bakers of the Kiev Caves (12th C)
New Calendar October 31 Old Calendar November 13
Why they are a saint
They were ascetics in the Kievan Monastery of the Caves in the 12th Century. They were both of simple folk and were occupied in the monastery baking prosphora accompanied with the works of continual prayer and fasting. Anthony Cave. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Spiridon as a patron when they bear the name Spiridon at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 31. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Spiridon, 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.