Blessed John the Fool for Christ (+1494)

Blessed John the Fool for Christ was born near Veliky Ustyug, in the village of Pukhovo. His parents, Sabbas and Maria, were pious Christians. From his youth the saint was distinguished by strict fasting. On Wednesdays and Fridays he ate nothing, and on other days he took only bread and water. After being widowed John’s mother became a nun. Entrusting himself to the Lord, the youth first took on the labour of silence, and then began the life of a fool for Christ. Blessed John settled in a small hut; he went barefoot through the streets of the city and patiently bore the mockery and insults of passers-by. For his tireless labours the saint was granted by the Lord the gift of wonderworking. He reposed in peace on 29 May 1494.