John Koukouzelis

Venerable John Koukouzelis, the master chanter of the Great Lavra on Mount Athos.

John was born at Dyrrachion and, orphaned young, was taken into the imperial school of Constantinople for his remarkable voice, becoming the chief court singer. Longing for the monastic life, he fled secretly to the Great Lavra of Mount Athos, where he at first hid his identity and tended the goats.

Once recognized, he was allowed to remain and devoted himself to chanting and composition, becoming one of the chief masters of Byzantine music. Tradition relates that the Theotokos appeared to him after an all-night vigil and placed a gold coin in his hand in gratitude for his singing.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, John Koukouzelis is commemorated on October 1. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 14 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on October 1

• 

  Protection of the Theotokos

  Great Feast, Σκέπη Θεοτόκου

  The Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos (celebrated primarily in Russian and Serbian Orthodox Church).

  Name days: Maria, Mary, Maro

• Ananias the Apostle

  Apostle, Ανανίας

  Holy Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, first Bishop of Damascus, who baptized the Apostle Paul.

  Name days: Ananias, Ananiah

• Romanos the Melodist

  Venerable, Ρωμανός ο Μελωδός

  Venerable Romanos the Melodist, deacon of Constantinople and the greatest of Byzantine hymnographers.

  Name days: Romanos, Romanus, Roman, Romana

• Michael of Zobe and the 36 Monk-Martyrs

  Saint, Μιχαήλ ηγούμενος Ζώβης

  Holy Monk-Martyr Michael, Abbot of the Zobe monastery near Sebasteia, and the thirty-six fathers martyred with him.

• Domninos of Thessalonica

  Martyr, Δομνίνος

  Holy Martyr Domninos, who suffered at Thessalonica under Maximian.