Martyr
Timothy the Reader and his wife
Martyrs Timothy and Maura of Antinoe in Egypt († c. 286)
New Calendar May 3 Old Calendar May 16
Why they are a saint
These holy martyrs were husband and wife. During the persecutions of Diocletian, the governor Arian demanded that Timothy hand over his sacred books (these were rare at that time, and as a Reader he was entrusted with their care). Timothy refused, saying that he would no more do so than a father would hand over his own children to death.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Timothy the Reader as a patron when they bear the name Timothy at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 3. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Timothy the Reader and his wife, 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.