Prophet
Zephaniah
Prophet Zephaniah
New Calendar December 3 Old Calendar December 16
Why they are a saint
The Orthodox Church commemorates Zephaniah among the prophets of Israel. The Book of Zephaniah is kept among the twelve minor prophets. The prophets are venerated because they spoke the word of God and prepared the coming of Christ. The Orthodox Church reads him among the prophets of Israel and keeps his feast on the calendar.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Zephaniah as a patron when they bear the name Zephaniah at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 3. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Zephaniah, 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.