John the Merciful

Patriarch of Alexandria, the Almsgiver.

St. John the Merciful, a native of Cyprus, became Patriarch of Alexandria in the early seventh century. He earned his title by boundless almsgiving: he called the poor his masters, kept a register of the needy of the city, and poured out the wealth of the Church in feeding, clothing, and ransoming all who came to him, trusting that God would never be outgiven.

He reposed in peace in his homeland of Cyprus, and his example remains the Church's great icon of mercy toward the poor. He is commemorated on November 12.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, John the Merciful is commemorated on November 12. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on November 25 of the civil calendar.

Who celebrates a name day

People with these names keep their name day on this feast:

Ioannis, Giannis, John

Also commemorated on November 12

• Nilus of Sinai

  Venerable, Νείλος ο Ασκητής

  Venerable Nilus the Ascetic of Sinai, disciple of Saint John Chrysostom and spiritual writer.

  Name days: Neilos, Nilos, Nilus

• Nilus the Myrrhgusher

  Venerable, Νείλος ο Μυροβλύτης

  Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Mount Athos.

  Name days: Neilos, Nilos, Nilus

• Martin of Tours

  Hierarch, Μαρτίνος ο Ελεήμων

  Saint Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours, the soldier who shared his cloak with a beggar.

  Name days: Martinos, Martin

• Ahijah the Prophet

  Prophet, Αχιά ο Προφήτης

  Holy Prophet Ahijah the Shilonite, who foretold the division of the kingdom of Israel.

• Sabbas Nigdelis

  Martyr, Σάββας Νιγδελής ο Νεομάρτυς

  Holy New Martyr Sabbas Nigdelis of Nigde in Cappadocia, martyred in Constantinople in 1726.

• Zebinas, Germanos, Nikephoros and Antoninus

  Martyr, Ζεβινάς, Γερμανός, Νικηφόρος και Αντωνίνος

  Holy Martyrs Zebinas, Germanos, Nikephoros and Antoninus, with the Virgin Manatho, at Caesarea in Palestine.

Icon: public domain image from Wikimedia Commons.