Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr John the Warrior

August 12 is the Day of Remembrance of the Holy Martyr John the Warrior, who in the Russian Orthodox tradition is considered the patron saint of those who mourn. He received special love in Ukraine, where there is a separate prayer for intercession for him. On icons the saint is always depicted with his head uncovered. He is accompanied by three important attributes - a cross, a shield and a spear. John is dressed in a vest, leggings, cloak, trousers and scale armor, which hint that the martyr belonged to the cavalry troops. He was Slavic by origin. John lived in the 4th century and served in the army of the famous Roman emperor Julian the Apostate, who became famous for his persecution of Christians. The saint was forced to take part in these military campaigns, although he did not agree with the decisions of his commander. Unable to speak out openly against Julian, John acted underground. He warned Christians in advance about the raids being prepared on them, helped captive fellow believers escape and visited those imprisoned to provide moral support. John helped not only Christians. He extended a helping hand to everyone who needed it. The mourners found comfort in him. He readily visited sick people. John's good deeds could not be kept secret for long. Sooner or later, the emperor would have found out about his actions, which is what happened. As soon as rumors reached Julian about how John was helping people, he immediately ordered him to be imprisoned. On the way to Constantinople, the guards mocked the prisoner. When he was brought to the capital of Byzantium, the emperor was on a campaign, so the saint was imprisoned in a prison cell, where he waited for a long time for his execution, which never took place. Julian himself died earlier during one of the battles, and after the death of Emperor John he was released. Another ruler came to power, who was a good Christian. Several months in heavy shackles, torture and hunger did not shake John’s faith. He devoted his entire future life to serving God. He distributed his property to the poor. Many came to him for help and consolation. No one knows exactly when and under what circumstances John died. It is only known that he left this mortal coil as a gray-haired old man. At first, sufferers often came to his grave with prayers for the intercession they received. Alas, over time the saint’s burial place was forgotten. Many years later, according to legend, the saint appeared to a pious Christian woman and indicated the place in which his remains rested. John's relics were found. They were transferred to Constantinople. They are believed to have miraculous powers and can heal the sick.