Saint · 3rd-4th C
Zosimas and Athanasius
Martyrs Zosimas the Hermit and Athanasius the Superintendent of Prisoners, Anchorites in Cilicia (3rd-4th C)
New Calendar January 4 Old Calendar January 17
Why they are a saint
The MonkMartyr Zosimas came from Cilicia and was an inhabitant of the wilderness. During a time of persecution against christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) Saint Zosimas was seized and subjected to fierce torture for the faith, but by the power of God he was preserved unharmed. Having beheld such a miracle of God, the prison head by the name of Athanasias believed in Christ and was baptised.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Zosimas and Athanasius as a patron when they bear the name Zosimas at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 4. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Zosimas and Athanasius, 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.