Saint John The Silent

Biography

Saint John The Silent, also known as John Hesychastes, John Sabaites, John Silentiarius, and John the Silent, was born on January 8, 454, in Nicopolis, Armenia. He came from a noble family, with his father Enkratios serving as a military commander, and his brother and other relatives holding influential positions as advisors to emperors. From his early years, John received an excellent education, both in secular and religious matters. Tragically, his parents passed away in 471 when John was only 17 years old. In memory of his parents, John used his inheritance to construct the Church of the Most Holy Mother of God in Nicopolis. By the age of 20, John's desire for a life dedicated to God led him to establish a monastery for himself and ten other young monks. However, he did not sever his ties with the outside world entirely. At the age of 28, John was ordained as the Bishop of Colonia (also known as Taxara). Despite his ecclesiastical responsibilities, John continued to live as a monk whenever possible. During his tenth year as bishop, John faced difficulties when his brother-in-law, Pazinikos, became governor of Armenia. Pazinikos interfered in Church affairs, which overwhelmed John, who was unprepared for such secular matters. Faced with these challenges, John secretly fled to Jerusalem in search of a place to hide from the world and immerse himself in prayer. In Jerusalem, John was welcomed as a novice at the Saint Sabas monastery, where he performed various tasks as a steward and construction worker. After spending four years at the monastery, John felt compelled to reveal his hidden life to the Jerusalem Patriarch Elias when he was being considered for ordination. To his surprise, Elias allowed John to take a vow of silence and sanctioned his decision to wall himself into his cell for another four years. For the next nine years, John lived as a hermit in a humble hut built against a rock face in the desert wilderness. According to legend, he was protected from brigands by a lion that remained nearby. However, at the urging of Saint Sava, John eventually left his solitude and returned to the monastery. During his time at the monastery, John's secret was eventually discovered. However, instead of facing condemnation, he received the continuous support and protection of Saint Sava. In his later years, John emerged from his seclusion to combat the heretical teachings of the Origenists. Saint John The Silent was not only known for his ascetic life but also for his miraculous abilities. He possessed the gift of healing and was skilled in exorcism. His representation is often depicted as a bishop with a finger pressed against his lips, symbolizing his sacred vow of silence. On January 8, 558, Saint John The Silent passed away in Jerusalem from natural causes, celebrating his 104th birthday. His feast day is commemorated on December 7 in the Catholic calendar, December 3 in the Orthodox calendar, March 30 on some calendars, and May 13 on others. Saint John The Silent was canonized before the formal institution of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Although Saint John The Silent does not have a specific patronage, his life and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals seeking spiritual growth and the pursuit of a contemplative life.