Saint
Stephen of Saint Savva Monastery
Venerable Stephen of St Sabbas Monastery († 794)
New Calendar July 13 Old Calendar July 26
Why they are a saint
The Monk Stephanos Savvaites, nephew of Saint John of Damascus (Comm. on 4 December), was born in the year 725. The ten year old lad entered the Lavra of Saint Savva and spent his whole life at this monastery, sometimes going out into the wilderness for solitary ascetic deeds. The monk Stephanos was bestowed the gifts of wonder-working and perspicacity: he healed the sick, cast out devils, and discerned the thoughts of those coming to him for counsel.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Stephen of Saint Savva Monastery as a patron when they bear the name Stephen at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 13. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Stephen of Saint Savva Monastery, 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.