Saint John, the Merciful 11/25/2013
Saint John was Patriarch of Alexandria. He was born on the island of Cyprus in an illustrious noble family. He was brought up in Christian spirit. Urged by his parents, he married and had several children. But, by divine Providence his children died in early youth together with his wife. Renowned for his mercifulness and devotion John was consecrated Patriarch of Alexandria at the time of the Emperor Heracleus. For ten years he governed the Church in Alexandria as a true shepherd, guarding her against the idolaters and heretics. He served as an example of meekness, mercifulness and love for the mankind. “If you look for nobility “, he said, “do not look for nobility of blood, but for nobility of virtues, for the true nobility is in the virtues of men.“ All Saints are characterised as merciful, but Saint John was completely devoted to this holy virtue. One day as he was serving the Divine Liturgy the Patriarch remembered Christ’s words:“ Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5: 23, 24) and it crossed his mind that one of his clergy bore him a grudge; he left the Holy Offerings, went to this man, bowed to the ground before him and asked him for forgiveness. Only upon their reconciliation did he go back to the altar. One day as he was going to the Church of Saints Cyrus and John, he happened to come across a poor widow who started telling him about her miserable condition. The Patriarch’s companions found her long complaint tiresome and suggested the Patriarch that it would be better if he went to the church for service, and listen to the woman after the service. Saint John answered them:” How would God listen to me, if I do not listen to her?“ And he would not move a single step until he had listened to the woman’s complaint till the end. When the Persians attacked Egypt, the Patriarch sat in a boat to retreat from the threat. On his way he fell ill and he departed this world as soon as he had arrived on Cyprus, in the year 620. His miracle-working relics were first translated to Constantinople, then to Budapest, and at last to Petersburg.
