Reflection on the commemoration of the glorification of Saint Tikhon of Moscow

Joyous feast! It is my pleasure to greet all of you on my name day, the feast of Saint Tikhon of Moscow, my heavenly patron and intercessor. Saint Tikhon is my patron, but most Orthodox Christians have their own patron saint, usually a saint whose name we share and who takes on a special role in interceding for our well-being and salvation before the throne of God. We should all diligently study the lives of our patron saints and pray daily, more than daily, even hourly, for their help and protection. We would do well to memorize this brief prayer from the Morning Prayers and recite it throughout our day: “Pray to God for me, O holy [name of your patron saint], pleasing to God, for with fervor I run to thee, swift helper and intercessor for my soul.”