John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria

Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born in Cyprus in the 6th century to the family of a nobleman, Epiphanius. After the death of his wife and children, he became a monk, known for his strict asceticism and mercy.

By the will of Emperor Heraclius and the clergy, he took the patriarchal throne in Alexandria, where he cared for the moral upbringing of his flock and expelled the heresy of Monophysitism propagated by Fullo.

The main work of the saint was charity. He cared for more than seven thousand beggars, providing them with sustenance. Twice a week, he would go to the doors of the patriarchal cathedral, receive those who asked, distribute alms, and visit hospitals. During the war with the Persian king Khosrow II, he allocated part of the church treasury for the ransom of captives.

The saint never refused those who asked. Once, upon meeting a beggar, he gave him six silver coins three times, and the third time, hearing that Christ was tempting him, he gave twelve silver coins. He also helped a merchant who was suffering from shipwreck by giving him a ship with wheat.

Saint John was known for his gentle attitude towards people. Once, after excommunicating a cleric from the Church, he, remembering the words of the Gospel, called him back and, falling to his knees, asked for forgiveness, which led to the cleric's repentance.

When George, the patriarch's nephew, asked for revenge, the saint instructed him about gentleness and, freeing the offender from payment, amazed all of Alexandria.

Saint John, mindful of his mortality, ordered a coffin but did not have it finished, waiting for his hour to come.

Not long before his death, due to illness, he went to Cyprus. During the journey, a radiant man appeared to him, foretelling his death. The saint peacefully departed to the Lord in his native city of Amathus (616–620).