Saint
Stephen
Blessed Stephen, King of Serbia († 1427) and his mother Saint Militsa († 1405)
New Calendar July 19 Old Calendar August 1
Why they are a saint
Saint Stephen was the son of prince Saint Lazar of Serbia (June 15). In the terrible times of the Turkish Yoke Saint Stephen became the great benefactor of his enslaved countrymen. He built up the city, constructed churches and expended his treasury on the help of the needy. Venerated as a right-believing ruler, honored for a holy life lived in a position of power.
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 19. As a ruler, he is also remembered by those who bear responsibility for others.
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.