Saint John III Doukas Vatatzes, the merciful Emperor of Nicaea.
Saint John Vatatzes was Emperor of Nicaea in the thirteenth century, ruling the Byzantine state in exile after the fall of Constantinople to the Crusaders. He was renowned for his justice, his generosity to the poor and his support of the Church and of learning.
He reposed in 1254 and was venerated as a saint soon after, especially at Magnesia where his relics were kept; he is honoured as John the Merciful, the Emperor.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, John Vatatzes the Merciful is commemorated on November 4. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on November 17 of the civil calendar.
Also commemorated on November 4
Ioannikios the Great
Venerable, Ιωαννίκιος ο Μέγας
Venerable Joannicius the Great.
Name days: Ioannikios
Nicander of Myra and Hermaeus
Hierarch, Νίκανδρος και Ερμαίος
Hieromartyrs Nicander, Bishop of Myra, and Hermaeus the Presbyter, ordained by the Apostle Titus.
Porphyrios the Mime
Martyr, Πορφύριος ο Μίμος
Holy Martyr Porphyrios the actor, who was converted while mocking Baptism on stage.
George Karslidis
Venerable, Γεώργιος Καρσλίδης
Venerable George Karslidis the Confessor, elder of the Ascension monastery at Sipsa, Drama.
Mercurius the Faster of the Kiev Caves
Venerable, Μερκούριος ο Νηστευτής
Venerable Mercurius the Faster of the Kiev Caves Lavra.
The calendar, on your phone each morning
Today’s saints, whether it is a fast day, and the people in your contacts who have a name day. Free, with no ads.
