Venerable John, Disciple of Gregory of Decapolis (IX)

Saint John was from childhood a disciple of Saint Gregory of Decapolis (commemorated 20 November). While still young John subdued the fleshly passions and spent whole days in prayer and labour. Saint Gregory greatly loved his obedient and wise disciple, and Saint John in every way strove to imitate his teacher; he carried out every blessing with piety and zeal.

In the grievous time of the iconoclast heresy, in the reign of Leo the Armenian, Saints Gregory and John came to Constantinople and there strengthened the faithful in Orthodoxy. Saint John died there, around 820–850.

Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (commemorated 4 April) buried Saint John beside his teacher, Saint Gregory of Decapolis.