John the Hesychast

Venerable John the Hesychast, disciple of Saint Gregory of Decapolis.

April 18

John was a disciple of Saint Gregory of Decapolis and shared his labours in defence of the holy icons during the ninth-century iconoclast persecution. He lived in stillness and prayer and was known for his humility.

After the death of his elder he continued the ascetic life in Constantinople and reposed in peace.

December 3

Venerable John was born in Nicopolis of Armenia in the fifth century and while still young was made Bishop of Colonia. Longing for stillness, he secretly left his see and came to Palestine, where he entered the Great Lavra of St. Sabas as an unknown novice.

When his rank was at last discovered, he withdrew into solitude, living as a recluse in his cell for many decades. He reposed in peace at a great age in the sixth century.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, John the Hesychast is commemorated on April 18. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on May 1 of the civil calendar.

On the New Calendar, John the Hesychast is commemorated on December 3. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on December 16 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on April 18

• 

  Cosmas, Bishop of Chalcedon

  Hierarch, Κοσμάς

  St. Cosmas the Confessor, Bishop of Chalcedon.

  Name days: Cosmas, Kosmas

• Athanasia of Aegina

  Holy Woman, Αθανασία η εξ Αιγίνης

  Venerable Athanasia of Aegina, abbess and wonderworker.

  Name days: Athanasia, Athanassia, Nasia, Athanasoula

• John the Tailor of Ioannina

  Martyr, Ιωάννης ο Ράπτης

  Holy New Martyr John of Ioannina, a tailor burned for Christ in Constantinople.

• Akakios of Melitene

  Hierarch, Ακάκιος Μελιτηνής

  Saint Akakios, Bishop of Melitene, wonderworker and father of the Third Ecumenical Council.

• Cyril VI of Constantinople

  Hierarch, Κύριλλος ΣΤ' ο Ιερομάρτυς

  Hieromartyr Cyril VI, Patriarch of Constantinople, hanged at Adrianople in 1821.

• Synaxis of the Kollyvades Fathers

  Saint, Σύναξη των Οσίων Κολλυβάδων

  Synaxis of the holy Kollyvades Fathers of Mount Athos, renewers of the spiritual life of the Greek people.