Venerable Joannicius the Great 11/17/2013
This great spiritual enlightener was born in the village of Marycate in Bithynia, of father Myritricius and mother Anastasia. In his youth he was a shepherd. Tending the sheep, he often went to secluded place and stood in prayer all day long, having shielded his flock with the sign of the Cross not to wander or get lost. Then he joined the army and proved a valiant soldier, particularly in the war against the Bulgarians. After his military service, Saint Joannicius withdrew to Mount Olympus in Asia, where he became a monk and entirely committed himself to ascetic struggle, which he led until his old age, until the day he died. He led a life of ascesis and penitence for over fifty years, changing his dwelling places. God granted him an abundant gift of working miracles: he healed every sickness and infirmity, cast out demons, tamed beasts and especially he had power over snakes, he could walk on water, he could make himself invisible for the people whenever he wished to, he could see and foretell future events. He was distinguished by great humbleness and meekness even though his outward appearance was mighty and he was strong and corpulent. He took an active part in the life of the Church. At the time of the iconoclast heresy he was at first mislead, but soon repented and became zealous supporter of veneration of the icons. He was a great friend of Methodius, the Patriarch of Constantinople. Saint Joannicius lived ninety-four years and fell asleep in peace in the year 846. He remained a wonderworker after his decease.
