Commemorated on April 19Saint John of the Ancient Caves is so called because he lived during the eighth century in the Lavra of St Chariton (September 28). This was called the "Old," or ancient cave, since it was one the oldest of the Palestinian monasteries. The Lavra was situated not far from Bethlehem, near the Dead Sea.
St John in his early years left the world, went to venerate the holy places of Jerusalem, and settled at the Lavra, where he labored in fasting, vigil, and prayer. He was ordained to the holy priesthood, and glorified by his ascetic life.
Troparion - Tone 8
From your youth you were a lover of Christ, filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
You followed your call.
Your heart was pure and you lived as an angel on earth.
O holy Father John, together with the angels,
Pray that we may be saved!
Kontakion - Tone 8
Wounding your soul with the desire for God, O blessed John,
You abandoned your carefree life of riches and nourishment,
Withdrawing to live an honorable life in foreign lands
And depriving your body through the labors of abstinence.
Keeping silence courageously you attained to perfection of virtue.
Therefore in faith we cry out to you:
Entreat Christ God to grant forgiveness to those who honor in love your holy memory.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAT POSTED THIS DATE 2008:
No comments:
Post a Comment