Saint John the Prophet of Egypt was born in the early 4th century, lived in the city of Lycopolis, and was a carpenter. At the age of twenty-five, he entered a monastery, where he took monastic vows. For fifteen years, the ascetic labored in various monasteries, and then, desiring complete solitude, he withdrew to the Thebaid on Wolf Mountain, where he spent fifty years without leaving the place of his labors. He conversed with those who came to him through a small window, accepting and receiving the modest food brought to him. After thirty years of being in seclusion, the saint was granted by God the gift of prophecy, predicting to Emperor Theodosius the Great victory over his enemies and many events in the lives of those who came to him.
He distributed to the sick who came to him the blessed oil, by anointing with which they were healed of various ailments. The venerable one foretold to the monk Palladius that he would become a bishop, and this prophecy was fulfilled.
In his teachings, the saint commanded to have humility, warning against pride and vanity. He taught that prayer should be focused, and the mind free from worldly thoughts. The venerable one emphasized the importance of spiritual concentration and the constant striving for the Heavenly, urging to care for a good example for others.
Through these saving teachings and his example, the saint brought much spiritual benefit to people. Venerable John of Egypt departed to the Lord in 395 at the age of ninety.
