Venerable John the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople (†595) — September 2 / September 15 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 2 according to the Julian Calendar (September 15 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Venerable John the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople.

The venerable John IV the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople (582–595), from childhood felt an extraordinary attraction to the monastic life. For his pious life he was ordained a deacon, and some time later he was appointed Archbishop of Constantinople. Throughout the years of his episcopal ministry the saint never abandoned the way of life characteristic of the most ascetic desert fathers, and for this reason he was called “the Faster.”

By the example of his own life the holy father taught the faithful to restrain the passions and to master themselves. When the inhabitants of Constantinople decided to entertain themselves by watching horse races on the eve of the feast of Pentecost, which would of course have diminished their observance of the feast, the blessed hierarch fell to his knees and prayed fervently that the Lord would frustrate this impious intention of his flock. And behold, as soon as the people of Constantinople had gathered at the hippodrome, a terrible storm suddenly arose, thunder and lightning broke out, heavy rain was followed by hail, and the spectacle was ruined. Saint John so loved the poor that he generously gave them everything he had, and when he reposed nothing remained to him but his old garments. The blessed father worked many miracles during his lifetime. He is also known as an ecclesiastical writer.