Saint John the Theologian, Evangelist

The honorable commemoration of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian is celebrated on September 26. On this day, the Church also venerates his holy relics, which miraculously gushed myrrh from his tomb. Having lived to the age of one hundred years, Saint John, after having preached the Gospel, left Ephesus accompanied by seven disciples. He commanded then to open a cross-shaped grave,into which he laid himself while he was still alive.

After his repose, the faithful did not find his body. Yet they frequently came to his grave, offering prayers to God. Each year on this day, a fine dust would miraculously emanate from the saint’s tomb, bringing healing to those who used it with faith and affection to his grace.