Saint · 286-303
Alban
St. Alban the Protomartyr of Britain
New Calendar June 22 Old Calendar July 5
Why they are a saint
He was a soldier in the Roman army and, according to the venerable Bede, was brought to faith in Christ by a fugitive priest to whom he gave shelter. The Orthodox Church commemorates Alban on June 22.
Life
Saint Alban, the protomartyr of Britain, was a Roman citizen living at Verulamium (modern St Albans) in a time of persecution. He sheltered a priest, Amphibalus, who was fleeing the soldiers; moved by the priest's constant prayer, he came to believe in Christ and was baptized. When soldiers came to search the house, Alban put on the priest's clothes so that Amphibalus could escape.
Brought before the magistrate, he declared, 'I am also a Christian, and I worship the true God.' After being beaten and tortured, he was led to Holmhurst Hill to be beheaded; at his prayer the river Ver parted so the crowd could pass.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Alban as a patron when they bear the name Alban at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on June 22. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Alban, 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.