The Monk John, called Barsonophios
Commemorated on February 29
The Monk John,
called Barsonophios, was a native of Palestine. At 18 years of age he
accepted holy Baptism, and soon also monastic vows. Because of his ascetic
life, the Monk John was ordained bishop of the city of Damascus. Once, in his
love for the solitary life, the Monk John left off being bishop and secretly withdrew
to Alexandria, calling himself Barsonophios. Then he went off into the Nitreian
wilderness, arrived at a monastery and besought the hegumen to accept him into
the monastery, so as to serve the elders. He conscientiously fulfilled this
obedience by day, and nights he spent in prayer.
After a certain while
Saint Theodore of Nitreia saw the monk, and knew of him that he was a bishop.
Saint John then again concealed himself and withdrew into Egypt, where he
asceticised until the end of his days (V).
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.