St. John the Merciful: biography, what helps and how to pray on November 25

Every year on November 25, Orthodox believers honor the memory of St. John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, who became famous for his works of compassion and concern for the poor. His name has become a symbol of mercy and justice, and prayers to the saint still resound where people seek support, protection, or solace. Izvestia tells us who John the Merciful was, why he is revered and what they ask for on his memorial day.

John the Merciful: a biography

Saint John the Merciful, also known as John Eleemon, is considered one of the most revered Christian ascetics of the early Middle Ages. He was born in Cyprus in the 6th century in the family of a noble ruler of the island. In his youth, John was married and had children, but after the death of his wife and children, he renounced worldly life, taking monastic vows. From that moment on, he devoted his life to serving God, becoming a symbol of Christian charity.

At the beginning of the 7th century, John was elected patriarch of Alexandria. This period became the pinnacle of his public ministry: according to contemporaries, the new patriarch immediately ordered the compilation of lists of all those in need, so that none of the poor, sick or homeless would be left without support. He personally controlled the distribution of food and funds, calling the poor his masters, an expression that entered the church chronicles as a reflection of his deep humility.

Under John the Merciful, church and social institutions were actively developing in Alexandria. New hospitals, shelters and homes for the elderly were opened, and the system of charitable fees was reformed. The Patriarch paid attention to the fight against corruption among the clergy and officials, and also organized assistance to prisoners, displaced persons and victims of natural disasters. His work contributed to the strengthening of the moral authority of the Church and the growth of trust in it from the residents of the city.

It is known that he renounced luxury, and directed most of the income of the patriarchate to charity. For his generosity and compassion, John was nicknamed the Merciful.

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John spent the last years of his life far from Alexandria. After the capture of the city by the Persians, he was forced to leave the department and return to his native Cyprus. There he continued to engage in charity and spiritual mentoring until his death, which, according to various sources, occurred between 616 and 620.

The memory of John the Merciful is revered in both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions. His image is perceived as an example of Christian love and service to one's neighbor, and his life is a reminder that true wealth lies not in material goods, but in willingness to help others.

In the Orthodox tradition, John the Merciful Memorial Day is celebrated annually on November 25.

What to ask of John the Merciful

In the church tradition, St. John the Merciful is revered as the patron saint of the poor and the protector of those who find themselves in difficult circumstances. His name has become a symbol of selfless help and compassion. Prayers are addressed to the saint for support in need and poverty, for intercession in difficult social situations, and for blessings on works of mercy.

Believers ask John the Merciful for financial help, strengthening generosity and the ability to have compassion for others. Prayerfully, he is also charged with family difficulties, loss of livelihood, issues of justice and protection of charitable endeavors.

According to legend, during his lifetime, St. John personally took care of the sick, refugees and victims of wars and epidemics. Therefore, even today his name is often mentioned in petitions for help in emergency situations and in times of social crisis.

In addition to requests for support, people turn to the saint for spiritual solace and inner peace. Believers believe that his intercession helps to find peace in the soul and strengthen faith, especially in times of trial.

Prayer to John the Merciful on November 25

In liturgical and folk practice, there are short petitions, troparia and akathists addressed to the saint, as well as personally recited prayers. The following is one of the common prayers to St. John the Merciful, which is found in the collection of prayer books and on church resources; it is read on the saint's memorial day and on days when believers ask for help in need.:

Prayer to St. John the Merciful:

"Holy Saint John of God, merciful defender of the strong and those in need! We run to you and pray to you, your servants (names), as the speedy protector of all those who seek solace from God in troubles and sorrows. Do not cease to pray to the Lord for all who flow to you in faith. Filled with the love and goodness of Christ, you have appeared as a wonderful palace of the virtue of mercy and have acquired the name of the Merciful; pray to Christ God that He may forgive us all our sins, have mercy on us through His great mercy, and grant us all help, speedy consolation, and salvation of our souls. Amen to that."

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In addition, in church services, memorial day is accompanied by the troparion and kontakion of the saint; one of the troparia sung in the Orthodox tradition asks:

"By the grace of patience you have found your reward, Father, and in your tireless prayers you have helped those who suffer; O John, pray to Christ our God, that our souls may be saved." The text of the troparia and Akathists is available in liturgical collections and on the resources of Orthodox parishes.