Holy Father John the Righteous, disciple of St Gregory of Decapolis
Commemorated April 18
St John was born at the end of the eighth century. At a young age he became a disciple of St Gregory of Dekapolis (commemorated November 20) and accepted monastic tonsure from him at a monastery in Thessalonica. Under the guidance of this experienced teacher, St John attained great spiritual perfection.
When the emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820 AD) renewed the persecution against Orthodox Christians because they venerated the holy icons, St Gregory of Dekapolis and St Joseph the Hymnographer (April 4) and his disciple St John went from Thessalonica to Constantinople, to raise opposition to the Iconoclast heresy.
In spite of persecution, Sts. Gregory and John fearlessly defended Orthodoxy for several years, and preached the veneration of icons. After many hardships St Gregory died (around 820), and soon after, his faithful disciple John also departed to the Lord. St Joseph the Hymnographer transferred the relics of Sts. Gregory and John and placed them in the church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Dismissal Hymn (Plagal of the Fourth Tone)
The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Father. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Therefore, O Holy John, your soul rejoices with the angels.
Kontakion (First Tone)
Blessed John, with the Lord's Cross upon your shoulder, you climbed to the summit of virtues. In place of passing pleasures you attained the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.