Born in Dyrrachium, he became an orphan and entered the school in Constantinople. He caught the attention of Emperor Komnenos with his sweet voice and became a court singer. Despite his success, he suffered from thoughts of marriage and temporal pleasures, deciding to flee to the desert. On the Holy Mountain, he met an abbot who blessed him for monastic life. John was accepted into the lavra, where he tended the flock and deepened his prayer.
The emperor, learning of his flight, sought him, but John remained unknown. One day, having amazed a hermit with his singing, he was summoned by the abbot. John revealed himself to the abbot, who, fearing the emperor's wrath, went to Constantinople. The emperor, hearing of his decision to remain a monk, blessed him for the salvation of his soul.
John built a cell and a church, continuing to sing in the cathedral. One night, the Mother of God appeared to him in a dream, blessing him and giving him a gold coin. John, having received healing from his wounds, continued his spiritual life, being granted a vision of his end. He died with a prayer on his lips, instructing to bury him in the church of the Archangels that he had built. Now in heaven, he praises God with the angels.
