Great martyr
Xenia of Kalamata
Holy Great Martyr Xenia of Kalamata
New Calendar May 3 Old Calendar May 16
Why they are a saint
Orthodox Christians honor Xenia of Kalamata for a confession sealed by death. Great martyrs are remembered for a public, costly confession of Christ unto death. Her feast is kept with the other great martyrs of the calendar. This memory is kept in the whole Orthodox Church.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Xenia of Kalamata as a patron when they bear the name Xenia at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 3. As a martyr, she is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Xenia of Kalamata, 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.