Saint
Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza
Venerable Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza
New Calendar September 29 Old Calendar October 12
Why they are a saint
Saint Theophanes the Merciful was an inhabitant of the Syrian city of Gaza. He was very kind and merciful. He took in vagrants, he helped the poor and the sick, and he spent all his substance on help for the needy, while he himself remained in want. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza as a patron when they bear the name Theophanes at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 29. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza, 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.