Saint · 1353-1359
Stephen
Venerable Stephen, Abbot of Makhrishche, Vologda
New Calendar July 14 Old Calendar July 27
Why they are a saint
Saint Stephen of Makhra (Makhrishche) was a native of Kiev. He accepted monasticism at the monastery of the Caves, where he spent several years in deeds of obedience and prayer. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Stephen as a patron when they bear the name Stephen at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 14. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Stephen, 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.