Saint · 635
Cuthbert
Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne
New Calendar March 20 Old Calendar April 2
Why they are a saint
Saint Cuthbert was born in Britain about the year 635, and became a monk in his youth at the monastery of Melrose by the River Tweed. The Orthodox Church commemorates Cuthbert on March 20.
Life
Saint Cuthbert, the wonderworker of Britain, was born in Northumbria around 634. While tending sheep as a youth he saw in a vision angels carrying the soul of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne to heaven, and learned days later that Aidan had reposed at that very hour. He entered the monastery of Melrose under Saint Boisil.
In 664 he went with Saint Eata to Lindisfarne, where he became prior, visiting and teaching the common people and working many healings. Longing for solitude, he lived first on a small island near Lindisfarne and from 676 on Inner Farne, where he remained nearly nine years.
In 684 a synod under Archbishop Theodore elected him bishop, and he at first refused to leave his solitude. Sensing his death approaching, he laid aside his duties and reposed on March 20, 687. Eleven years later his tomb was opened and his relics were found incorrupt.
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 Cuthbert as a patron when they bear the name Cuthbert at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 20. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Cuthbert, 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.