Latest / Saints and Scripture / Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria

Transcript

Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria · Saints and Scripture

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Saints in Scripture Podcast.
• 0:02
  SPEAKER_00: Today is Thursday, november twelfth, twenty twenty six.
• 0:07
  SPEAKER_00: Today we remember Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria.
• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: He was born in Cyprus in the sixth century into a noble family.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: At his parents' wish, he married and had children, but after his wife and children passed away, he chose to become a monk.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: Saint John was known for his deep fasting, prayer, and great love for those around him.
• 0:31
  SPEAKER_00: His spiritual life earned him respect from many, including the Emperor Heraclius.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: When the patriarchal throne of Alexandria became vacant, the emperor and clergy asked Saint John to take the position.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: He accepted and served with care for the moral and spiritual health of his people.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: As patriarch, he spoke out against harmful heresies and removed a monophysite leader from Alexandria.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: But his main focus was charity.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: Early in his service he had his stewards list all the poor and needy in the city.
• 1:04
  SPEAKER_00: There were over 7,000.
• 1:06
  SPEAKER_00: Saint John made sure these people were cared for every day from the church's funds.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: Twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays, he sat outside the cathedral to meet anyone in need.
• 1:17
  SPEAKER_00: He helped settle disputes, supported those who were wronged, and gave alms.
• 1:21
  SPEAKER_00: He also visited the sick three times a week, offering help and comfort.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: During a time when the Persian army attacked Jerusalem and took many captives, Saint John gave a large part of the church treasury to ransom those prisoners.
• 1:36
  SPEAKER_00: Saint John never refused anyone who asked for help.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: Once he gave a beggar six silver coins.
• 1:43
  SPEAKER_00: The beggar changed clothes and asked again, receiving six more coins.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: When the beggar returned a third time, the servants tried to turn him away, but Saint John insisted on giving him twelve coins, saying, Perhaps he is Christ putting me to the test.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: He also helped a merchant who had lost his ship twice, and the third time gave him a ship full of grain.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: The merchant was able to repay his debts thanks to this kindness.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: Saint John was gentle and forgiving.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: He once had to excommunicate two clergymen for offenses.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: One repented, but the other grew angry and sinned more.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: Saint John wanted to speak kindly to him but forgot.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: During the Divine Liturgy, he remembered the gospel teaching about reconciliation and immediately went out, knelt before the clergyman, and asked forgiveness.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_00: The man repented and was later ordained a priest.
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_00: There was also a time when a man insulted George, the patriarch's nephew.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_00: George asked Saint John to take revenge.
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_00: Instead, Saint John promised a surprising response.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_00: He taught George about meekness and humility, then excused the offender from paying rent for a whole year because he lived in a church-owned house.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: This act amazed the people of Alexandria and taught George to forgive for God's sake.
• 3:05
  SPEAKER_00: Saint John was a strict ascetic and always mindful of his soul and death.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: He had a coffin made for himself, but told the workers not to finish it.
• 3:14
  SPEAKER_00: He wanted them to ask him on each feast day if it was time to complete it.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: Later he traveled with the governor Nicidas to visit the Emperor in Constantinople.
• 3:23
  SPEAKER_00: On the way he dreamed of a radiant man who said, The King of Kings summons you.
• 3:29
  SPEAKER_00: Saint John returned to Cyprus and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord at Amanthos around the year 616 to 620.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: His life reminds us of the power of mercy, humility, and faithful service to God and neighbor.
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_00: Lord help us to show mercy and kindness to those in need.
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_00: Teach us to forgive and to serve with humility.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_00: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God, amen.