Saint · 946
Repose of Venerable John
Repose of Venerable John, Abbot of Rila
New Calendar August 18 Old Calendar August 31
Why they are a saint
He was born near Sophia in Bulgaria during the reign of the Emperor Boris. When his parents died he withdrew from the world to a cave high in the mountains, where he gave himself to the ascetical struggle. There the Prologue says that he ‘endured many assaults both by demons and men, from robbers and from his kinsmen.’ In time he moved to the mountain of Rila, where he lived in a hollow tree, eating only the wild herbs and fruits there.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Repose of Venerable John as a patron when they bear the name Repose at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 18. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Repose of Venerable John, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.