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Saint · † 1867
Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna
Holy Hierarch Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna († 1867)
New Calendar November 19 Old Calendar December 2
Why they are a saint
Holy Hierarch Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna († 1867) are commemorated by the Orthodox Church on November 19. Venerated as hierarchs who shepherded the Church in holiness; little else about their lives has come down to us.
Life
Saint Philaret (Drozdov), baptized Basil, was born on December 26, 1782, in Kolomna, the son of a deacon. In 1808, as a student at the Moscow Theological Academy, he was tonsured with the name Philaret. Teaching at the St. Petersburg Academy, he worked to have theology taught in Russian rather than Latin so that it would be understood by all.
Consecrated bishop in 1817, he served in Tver, Yaroslavl and Moscow, and in 1826 became Metropolitan of Moscow, remaining there until his death. He served the Divine Liturgy for the last time on November 19, 1867, and was found reposed that afternoon. He was buried at the Holy Trinity Lavra and glorified in 1995.
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 Philaret as a patron when they bear the name Hierarch at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 19. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna, 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.