St. John, metropolitan of Kiev (1089)

Commemorated on August 31

St. John was Metropolitan of Kiev since 1080 and soon earned general profound respect. The Ven. Nestor, his contemporary, says the following about him: "this man is an expert in books, skilful in teaching, merciful to the needy and the widows, kind to everyone, rich and poor, humble and meek". St. John died in the second half of the 11th century. He left some writings, of which the following are famous: "Message of Metropolitan John to Clement, Pope of Old Rome" and "Church Canons", written for Monk James with his explanation of the Canons of the universal (catholic) Church in their application for the Russian Church.