Prophet
Zacharias
The Holy Prophet Zacharias
New Calendar February 8 Old Calendar February 21
Why they are a saint
The Prophet Zachariah the Sickle-Seer the eleventh of the twelve Minor Prophets. He was descended from the tribe of Levi, and seems to have been a priest (Nehemiah 12:4,16). Venerated as a prophet of God.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Zacharias as a patron when they bear the name Zacharias at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 8. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Zacharias, 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.