Hierarch
Stephen the Confessor of Sourozh
Saint Stephen the Confessor, Archbishop of Sourozh, Crimea
New Calendar December 15 Old Calendar December 28
Why they are a saint
As Archbishop of Sourozh, Stephen the Confessor of Sourozh is numbered with the saints of the Church. Holy hierarchs are venerated because they guarded the faith and shepherded a local church. Orthodox Christians remember him as a hierarch who kept the apostolic faith in his see.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Stephen the Confessor of Sourozh as a patron when they bear the name Stephen at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 15. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Stephen the Confessor of Sourozh, 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.