Saint · 1899
Bede
Venerable Bede, the Church Historian
New Calendar May 27 Old Calendar June 9
Why they are a saint
He spent almost his entire life as a monk in England, and is known primarily for his many writings. He entered the monastery at Wearmouth at the age of seven, and later moved (perhaps as one of the founders) to the monastery of Jarrow, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was ordained to the priesthood in his thirtieth year.
Life
Saint Bede, the church historian who recorded the history of Christianity in England up to his own time, was probably born around 673 in Northumbria. At seven he was given to Saint Benedict Biscop at the monastery of Wearmouth, and then to the new monastery of Jarrow, founded in 682, where he remained until his death under the abbot Saint Ceolfrith.
He fell ill in 735 and, though weak, remained cheerful, teaching his students daily and singing the Psalms. He fell asleep in the Lord after chanting 'Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit', on the eve of the Ascension, May 25. His relics now lie in the Galilee chapel of Durham Cathedral.
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 Bede as a patron when they bear the name Bede at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on May 27. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Bede, 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.