Feast Day: 08 MAY
The holy, glorious, and all-laudable Apostle and Evangelist John is a central figure in Christian tradition. He is also widely known as John the Theologian orSaint John the Divine. In his own Gospel, he refers to himself not by name, but as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," a designation often associated with him.
Life and Background
St. John was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman, and Salome. His brother was Saint James, who was also one of the apostles. Together with his brother James and Saint Peter, John formed an inner nucleus of intimate disciples close to Jesus Christ. The Gospel According to Mark suggests John was the younger brother as he is always mentioned after James. Jesus called John and James "Boanerges," meaning "sons of thunder," possibly due to their zeal.
John was the youngest of the twelve apostles and shared a special closeness with the Lord. This close relationship is frequently depicted in icons of the Mystical Supper, where St. John is shown leaning on Jesus's breast. He was also present with Apostle Peter and his brother James for the Transfiguration of Christ.
Writings
St. John is traditionally believed to be the author of several significant works in the New Testament. These include:
- The Gospel bearing his name (the Fourth Gospel) - John
- Three canonical letters: I John, II John, and III John
- The Book of Revelation - Revelation
Role in the Early Church and Exile
John held an authoritative position in the early church at Jerusalem. His authority is demonstrated by his visit with St. Peter to Samaria to lay hands on new converts. St. Paul also submitted his conversion and mission to Apostle Peter, Apostle James ("the brother of Jesus"), and John for recognition.
Around 90-95 A.D., St. John was exiled to the island of Patmos by Emperor Domitian. It was during his exile there that he is said to have received and written the Book of Revelation.
Later Life, Repose, and the Miracle of the Dust
According to a prominent tradition in the Orthodox Church, when St. John was over 100 years old, he took seven disciples outside the city of Ephesus. He instructed them to dig a grave in the shape of a cross, as long as he was tall. After giving instructions and kissing his disciples, John climbed into the grave. He asked them to cover him with earth, first up to his knees, then up to his neck. He then asked for a linen cloth to be placed on his face and requested a final kiss, stating that they would not see him again in this life. After dismissing his disciples, they buried him and wept.
Later, when the disciples returned and opened the grave, St. John's body was not there. This account suggests a miraculous repose rather than a conventional death and burial.
A remarkable miracle associated with this grave is that on May 8 of each year, dust rises up from it. This dust is believed to heal the sick of various diseases through the prayers of the Holy Apostle John. People sometimes call this dust "manna from the earth". The feast day commemorates this miracle as "Rodismos" (ροδισμός), possibly related to a pink ointment or rose-colored dust (ροδής) or perhaps celebrating the roses of spring.
Iconography
Iconographically, St. John is portrayed differently in Western and Byzantine art. In the West, he is often depicted as a young, beardless man, a tradition potentially derived from the apocryphal _Acts of John_ which suggests he became a disciple at a young age.
In the Byzantine world, the Evangelist is typically shown as an old man with a long white beard and hair, usually holding his Gospel. His symbol as an evangelist is the eagle.
Feast Days and Commemoration
St. John the Theologian is commemorated on several feast days:
- His primary feast day is celebrated on May 8, which specifically commemorates the annual pilgrimage to his grave and the miracle of the dust rising from it.
- The feast of the twelve apostles is on June 30.
- His repose (falling asleep) is commemorated on September 26.
In the Orthodox tradition, he is given a special title at the Dismissal: “The holy, glorious Apostle and Evangelist, Virgin, Beloved friend of Christ, John the Theologian”.
Hymns
Several hymns are dedicated to St. John the Theologian. These include an akathist hymn. The Troparion in Tone 2 refers to him as the "Beloved apostle of Christ our God" who reclined on Jesus's breast and implores him to pray for peace and mercy. The Kontakion in Tone 2 describes him as a "virgin disciple" who pours forth wonders and is a source of healings, praying for souls as "Theologian and friend of Christ".
Significance
Given the inspired visions described in the Book of Revelation, the Byzantine churches especially granted St. John the title of "Theologian". He is revered as a source of healings and wonders, and as a powerful intercessor who prays for the souls of the faithful.