Saint John of Egypt
Saint John of Egypt (born c. 304 AD in Lycopolis, Egypt, modern Asyut; died c. 394 AD in Lycopolis, Egypt) was an Egyptian hermit who lived for forty-eight years walled into a cave on a mountain near Lycopolis in the Thebaid. He was one of the most celebrated desert fathers of the 4th century, consulted by emperors and visited by pilgrims from across the Roman world. He was known for prophecy, including predicting victories for Emperor Theodosius I in two civil wars. He is one of the primary figures described in the Historia Monachorum in Aegypto and in Palladius's Lausiac History. His feast day is March 27.
Stored in Cargo: Saint John of Egypt
| Saint John of Egypt | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | March 27 |
| Profession | Hermit; prophet; desert father |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Coptic Church; Egyptian desert tradition; one of the most celebrated 4th-century hermits; consulted by Theodosius I |
| Patronage | Egypt; hermits; prophets; those who seek wisdom; those in military campaigns |
| Attributes | Cave (his dwelling); window (he spoke through a window); oil (healing miracle); dates (his only food); emperor's messenger (Theodosius consulted him) |
| Birthplace | Lycopolis, Thebaid, Egypt (modern Asyut, Egypt) |
| Death Place | Cave near Lycopolis, Thebaid, Egypt (modern Asyut Province, Egypt) |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes; died in his cave near Lycopolis, c. 394 AD, aged about 90; three days before his death he had a vision and forewarned disciples |
| Primary Shrine | No specific surviving shrine; venerated in Coptic tradition and at Asyut (ancient Lycopolis); the Coptic church and monasteries of the Asyut region |
| Liturgical Class | Not in universal Roman Calendar; feast March 27; observed in the Coptic Church and in some Western martyrologies |
| Historic Class | Not in universal 1962 calendar; observed in Eastern tradition |
Biography
John was born around 304 in Lycopolis (modern Asyut) in the Thebaid of Upper Egypt. He worked as a carpenter until the age of 25, when he put himself under the direction of an elderly hermit, whom he served obediently for twelve years. When his elder died, John walled himself into a cave on the mountain above Lycopolis — apparently around 346 AD — and lived there for the remaining forty-eight years of his life.
He had three small rooms carved out of the mountain, with a single window through which he spoke to visitors. He received male visitors on Saturdays and Sundays only; he never allowed a woman to approach his cell. He lived on dates soaked in water, ate no cooked food, and slept sitting up.
Despite this extreme austerity, he became one of the most consulted holy men in the late Roman world. Emperor Theodosius I sent messengers to consult him before two civil wars — against Maximus (388 AD) and against Eugenius (394 AD) — and both times John's prophecy of Theodosius's victory was fulfilled. Augustine mentions him in The City of God as evidence that God granted prophetic gifts to his holy ones even in the present age.
Palladius visited him and recorded the encounter in his Lausiac History. The anonymous Historia Monachorum in Aegypto (a Latin translation of which circulated widely in the West under Rufinus of Aquileia's name) devotes its first chapter to John.
He died around 394 AD, reportedly foretelling his death three days in advance to his disciples.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Lycopolis, Thebaid, Egypt (modern Asyut, Egypt)
Death location: Cave near Lycopolis, Thebaid, Egypt (modern Asyut Province, Egypt)
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Parishes
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Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| Saint John of Egypt - March 27th | Under 5 minutes | Saint of the Day |
Shrines
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Feast day
March 27
Veneration
Saint John of Egypt is venerated with a feast day on March 27 in the Coptic Church and in Eastern Christian tradition. He is one of the most celebrated of the desert fathers.
Prayers
Authored
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Intercessory
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