Holy Martyr John the Soldier — July 30 / August 12 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, July 30 according to the Julian Calendar (August 12 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr John the Soldier.

The Holy Martyr John the Soldier served in the army of the emperor Julian the Apostate (361–363). He was a secret Christian, and by prayer, fasting, and a devout life he was well-pleasing to God. It seems that none of this was noticed, for by order of the impious emperor he too was sent, together with others, into one of the provinces of the empire to seize Christians. Instead of persecuting them, John protected the Christians in every way, comforting and encouraging them. When Julian learned of this, he was enraged and commanded that the saint be arrested and brought at once to Constantinople to be put to death. On the way the saint had to endure many torments: the pagan guards beat the soldier who had defied the emperor, bound him with iron fetters, kept him barefoot, and tormented him with cold and hunger. When they reached the imperial city, the emperor had gone off to war against the Persians; until his return, the Lord’s chosen one was locked in prison.

Meanwhile, in the year 363, Julian the Apostate perished in battle against the Persians. The throne passed to the pious Christian Jovian, who annulled all the decrees his predecessor had issued against the Orthodox: he freed those imprisoned for confessing Christ and restored the exiled bishops to their sees. John too received his freedom. Thereafter the saint, tempered by his sufferings, devoted himself wholly to the service of God and neighbor. Blessed John reposed in peace at a great old age. Before his death he asked to be buried in the cemetery of the poor and the strangers, and his request was fulfilled. In time his grave was lost, but John revealed the resting place of his holy relics in a vision to a devout woman. After their uncovering, the incorrupt relics were placed in Constantinople, in the church of Saint John the Theologian, and many miraculous healings were wrought at them.