Tahsas 30 — January 08

Saint John, the Holy Leader of the Desert Monks

Today we remember a holy man named Saint John. He was the archpriest, the chief priest who guides everyone, in a quiet desert place called Scetis, where many monks lived and prayed together. Monks give their days to God, living a simple life of prayer. Saint John was like a loving father to all of them, and many holy people learned to love God by watching him.

God gave John a special gift. When the people came to pray and receive Holy Communion, he could gently tell who needed a little help to grow closer to God, and he cared for them kindly. And when he stood at the altar to pray, sometimes he saw something beautiful: our Lord Jesus shining, with bright angels all around Him. It filled John's heart with joy.

One sad time, rough men came and carried John far away and were unkind to him for a long while. But John kept trusting God and never stopped loving Him. At last God brought him safely back home to his monastery and his monks, who were so happy to see him again.

Saint John lived to be very old, ninety years! When he finally went home to heaven, God kept blessing people through him. Even the cloths from his resting place helped sick people get well. That is how dearly God loved His gentle servant John.

When John stood at the altar to pray, he saw our Lord Jesus shining with bright angels all around Him.