Saint John the Almsgiver

John V Eleemon, also known as John the Almsgiver, John the Almoner, John the Compassionate, or John the Merciful, was a Chalcedonian Patriarch of Alexandria from 606 to 616. Born in Amathus around 560, he was an unusual figure for his time due to his status as a married man with children and his election as bishop while still a layman. His tenure as patriarch saw him become known for his charitable works, earning him the title 'the Almsgiver.' He died around 620 in Cyprus after being forced to flee from Alexandria. John is celebrated as one of few Byzantine era saints who gained a following in the West and was included in the Golden Legend. He became an early patron of the Knights Hospitaller, with his name also associated with the St. John's Ambulance Corps in the British Commonwealth. In the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church, he is venerated as a saint without having been a martyr.