Venerable John of Chozeba, Bishop of Caesarea (VI)

The Venerable John of Chozeba, bishop of Caesarea, was born in the city of Thebes in Upper Egypt, and in his youth went out into the desert with his grandfather to labour. When the story of John’s holy life became known, the blessed one was appointed bishop of Caesarea. Saint John governed his flock wisely and with love; the hierarch, endowed with the gifts of foresight and of working miracles, always remained inwardly a simple monk. He had to struggle against the heresy of Nestorius, which was widespread at that time, and laboured tirelessly to strengthen the Orthodox teaching and to root out the vices among his flock. According to one account he held the hierarchal see until 536, and according to another in the years 587–596. After this the father, who loved solitude, went away to the desert of Chozeba and laboured there until his end.