New martyr
Zachariah
New Martyr Zachariah
New Calendar February 8 Old Calendar February 21
Why they are a saint
Zachariah is numbered with the new martyrs whose names the Church still reads. New martyrs are honored for a later-century confession of Christ unto death. The faithful honor him among those who died rather than deny Christ in recent times.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Zachariah as a patron when they bear the name Zachariah at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 8. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Zachariah, 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.