Hierarch
Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh
Saint Isaac the Syrian, Bishop of Nineveh
New Calendar January 28 Old Calendar February 10
Why they are a saint
Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh is remembered as Bishop of Nineveh. Holy hierarchs are venerated because they guarded the faith and shepherded a local church. His name is kept on the calendar with the other holy hierarchs. The New Calendar feast is January 28.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint Isaac the Syrian lived in the sixth century. With his brother he became a monk at the monastery of Mar Matthew near Nineveh, but, refusing to become its head, he left to live alone in the desert. As his fame spread he was made Bishop of Nineveh.
When a lender told him to leave the Gospel out of a dispute, Isaac answered that if men would not submit to the Lord's commandments there was nothing for him to do there. After five months he resigned and went to live with the hermits in the mountains, and later at the monastery of Rabban Shabur, where he lived until his death, attaining a high degree of spiritual perfection.
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 Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh as a patron when they bear the name Isaac at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 28. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh, 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.