Martyr · 3rd century
Christopher of Lycia
Martyr Christopher of Lycia
New Calendar May 9 Old Calendar May 22
Why they are a saint
Christopher of Lycia is remembered as martyr of Lycia whose name means Christ-bearer. He is in later popular devotion asked by travelers and drivers. The years given for this life are 3rd century. The New Calendar feast is May 9; this memory is kept in the whole Orthodox Church.
Life
Saint Christopher lived in the third century and suffered about the year 250 under Decius. There are various accounts of his life. Of great stature and strength, he was called Reprebus before his Baptism. He confessed Christ even before he was baptized; the soldiers sent to bring him to the emperor saw miracles on the way, came to believe, and were baptized with him by Saint Babylas of Antioch.
A well-known tradition tells that he became a ferryman, carrying people across a river on his shoulders, and one stormy night carried a Child Who grew ever heavier; his name means 'Christ-bearer'. Decius sent two women to tempt him, but he converted them and they died as martyrs; he was then sentenced to death himself. His skull is kept at Karakalou Monastery on Mount Athos.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says that in Italy people pray to him in times of contagious disease.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for drivers, travelers by land, motorists. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Christopher of Lycia, 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.
Do not confuse with other Christophers (Athos, Guria, Palestine).