Blessed John the Almsgiver
Blessed John the Almsgiver (also Saint John the Almsgiver, John V of Alexandria; born c. 550 AD in Amathus, Cyprus; died c. 620 AD in Cyprus) was the Greek Patriarch of Alexandria, renowned for his extraordinary generosity to the poor, which earned him the title "the Almsgiver" (Eleemon). Widely venerated as a saint in both East and West, he is also honored as a patron of the Order of Saint John (the Knights Hospitaller). His feast day is November 11 (also kept on January 23).
As Patriarch of Alexandria, John devoted the wealth and resources of his see to the relief of the poor, whom he called his "masters," and to the ransom of captives and the care of refugees. His life of charity made him one of the most beloved bishops of the early Church.
Stored in Cargo: Blessed John the Almsgiver
| Blessed John the Almsgiver | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | November 11 |
| Profession | Patriarch of Alexandria; bishop |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Eastern Christianity; Patriarchate of Alexandria |
| Patronage | The Order of Saint John (Knights Hospitaller); Casarano; the poor; charitable works; almsgivers |
| Attributes | Patriarchal vestments; giving alms to the poor; purse |
| Birthplace | Amathus, Cyprus |
| Death Place | Cyprus |
| Cause of Death | Natural death; Greek Patriarch of Alexandria renowned for his charity; died in his native Cyprus |
| Primary Shrine | Preserved relics in Bratislava (Pressburg), Slovakia |
Biography
John, called the Almsgiver, was born about the year 550 at Amathus on the island of Cyprus, into a distinguished family. He married and had children, but after the death of his wife and children he devoted himself wholly to God and to works of charity.
About the year 610, though a layman by background, he was chosen Patriarch of Alexandria, the great see of Egypt, at a time of political turmoil, invasion, and the arrival of many refugees fleeing the Persian conquests in the East. John governed the patriarchate for some ten years.
He became famous above all for his boundless charity. On taking office he ordered a census of the poor of the city, whom he called his "masters and lords," and he made the relief of the needy the first concern of his administration. He distributed the wealth of the Church to the hungry, the sick, and the destitute; he built hospitals and hostels; he ransomed captives; and he received the flood of refugees who came to Alexandria. He also worked for the reform of the clergy and the defense of orthodox faith and of justice against the powerful.
When the Persians advanced on Egypt, John withdrew to his native Cyprus, where he died about the year 620.
John the Almsgiver has been venerated as a saint from ancient times, before the formal papal canonization process existed, and is honored in both the Eastern and Western Churches. He was later adopted as a patron by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitaller), who took their name and inspiration in part from him. His feast is kept on November 11, and also on January 23.
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Feast day
November 11
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