St. John the Almsgiver

St. John the Almsgiver was the Patriarch of Alexandria, known for his great generosity and charitable works toward the poor, orphans, and the needy, embodying Christian compassion in his role.

St. John the Almsgiver was born in the 6th century, in Alexandria, Egypt, into a wealthy and noble family. His given name was John, and he was born into a society where social and economic divides were stark, with a significant portion of the population living in poverty. Despite his privileged background, John was deeply moved by the plight of the poor and sought to address their needs with compassion.

He became patriarch of Alexandria in the early 7th century, a role he carried with great dedication. Throughout his tenure, St. John was recognized for his immense charity and generosity. He used his wealth and position not for personal gain but to care for the marginalized, including the poor, widows, orphans, and those suffering from illness.

St. John is most famous for his dedication to almsgiving, often giving away his personal wealth to help the needy. He is said to have distributed alms in such abundance that he sometimes had nothing left for himself. He also established numerous institutions to care for the poor and sick, including hospitals, orphanages, and feeding programs for those in need.

His compassion was not only limited to material assistance; St. John also cared for the spiritual well-being of his people, guiding them through the challenges of life with Christian charity and piety. His influence as a spiritual leader and philanthropist extended beyond Alexandria, earning him the admiration and respect of the Christian world. His approach to almsgiving was not merely a one-time act of charity, but a lifestyle of ongoing care for the community.

St. John’s life of service was marked by a humble and self-sacrificial spirit. It is said that when he was dying, his last words were an expression of his care for the poor, reminding his successors to continue his work of almsgiving and charitable service.

He passed away on November 12, 616, leaving behind a legacy of Christian charity that continues to inspire people of all faiths. His feast day is celebrated on November 12, commemorating his life and his tireless commitment to helping the less fortunate.

Though not officially canonized in the modern sense, St. John the Almsgiver was venerated by the Christian community for centuries, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church, where he is remembered as a great saint of charity and compassion.

Feast Day

12-11-616

Birth Date

--N/A

Died Date

12-11-616

Canonised Date

--N/A

St. George's Church, Alexandria, Egypt

St. John the Almsgiver, compassionate servant of the poor, grant us a generous heart and a spirit of charity. Help us to see Christ in those in need and inspire us to act with love and mercy in our daily lives. Amen.
ST. JOHN THE ALMSGIVER

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ST. JOHN THE ALMSGIVER

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