Saint John renounced the world and became a monk in Palestine, near Jerusalem. He spent his days in prayer, fasting and living an ascetic life. He settled in a cave, where he placed an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Before setting out on any journey, he would light a lamp before the icon and pray that its flame would remain burning until his return.
The saint was exceptionally virtuous. Miracles often took place around him, bearing witness to his holy personality and God-pleasing life. Animals were subject to him, and wild beasts approached him peacefully.
Once, when a brother came to visit him, he admired the complete absence of material possessions in the saint’s cave. Saint John replied that whatever he needed was provided to him through the spiritual wealth of faith.
He lived a long life, filled with faith and ascetic struggles, until he departed to the Lord, a saint among saints.
