Venerable John the Hermit and the ninety-eight God-bearing Fathers who lived in asceticism with him in Crete.
John came from Egypt with thirty-six companions and settled in Crete, where they were joined by others until they numbered ninety-nine. They lived in caves near Akrotiri, and John, their leader, was known for his continual prayer and gift of wonderworking.
Tradition relates that in his old age, crawling on all fours from weakness, he was mistaken for an animal and shot by a hunter, and that he forgave the man before reposing.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, John the Hermit and the 98 Fathers of Crete is commemorated on October 7. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 20 of the civil calendar.
Also commemorated on October 7
Polychronios the Hieromartyr
Hierarch, Πολυχρόνιος
Holy Hieromartyr Polychronios the Presbyter, slain by the Arians at the altar.
Name days: Polychronios, Polychronis, Polichronis, Chronis, Polychronia
Julian and Caesarius of Terracina
Martyr, Ιουλιανός και Καισάριος
Holy Martyrs Julian the Presbyter and Caesarius the Deacon, who suffered at Terracina in Italy.
Leontios the Hypatikos
Martyr, Λεόντιος ο Υπατικός
Holy Martyr Leontios the Consul, who gave up his soul in confession of Christ.
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