Saint · 1547
Dionysius of Zakynthos
New Calendar December 17 Old Calendar December 30
Why they are a saint
Saint Dionysius of Zakynthos, the Bishop of Aegina was born in 1547 on the island of Zakynthos. The Orthodox Church commemorates Dionysius of Zakynthos on December 17.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint Dionysios was born in 1547 on Zakynthos into a noble family. He became a monk at the monastery of Strophades, was ordained priest, and despite protesting his unworthiness was consecrated Bishop of Aegina. Fearing the praise of men, he resigned and returned to Zakynthos, where in 1579 he cared for the widowed diocese for a time, then withdrew to the Monastery of the Theotokos Anaphonitria as abbot.
When a stranger who had murdered his brother Constantine sought refuge in the monastery, Dionysios wept for his brother, yet comforted and hid the murderer, sent the pursuing relatives away, and helped him escape. He reposed on December 17, 1624. His relics are incorrupt, and he is counted among Greece's 'walking saints'.
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 Dionysius of Zakynthos as a patron when they bear the name Dionysius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 17. Greek Orthodox faithful also honor his as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Dionysius of Zakynthos, 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.