Saint · 4th C
Theoctist, Archbishop of Novgorod
Holy Hierarch Theoctist, Archbishop of Novgorod († 1310)
New Calendar December 23 Old Calendar January 5
Why they are a saint
Holy Hierarch Theoctist, Archbishop of Novgorod († 1310) is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on December 23. Venerated as a hierarch, a bishop who shepherded the Church in holiness; little else about his life has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Theoctist as a patron when they bear the name Hierarch at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 23. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Theoctist, Archbishop of Novgorod, 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.