Feast Day: October 1st


The Life of Saint John: As the Vigil progressed, he heard a voice that said to him: “Salutations John!” and hearing the voice he opened his eyes and before him was the Theotokos which was shining with the brightest Heavenly Light. She said to him “Chant for me, and I will not leave you.” With these words the Theotokos placed a gold coin in his hand, and disappeared…

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Prayers

Service – Vespers and Matins


Saint John was orphaned in his childhood, had a beautiful Chanting voice, and moved to Constantinople to become the Emperor’s head Chanter. However, he wished for solitude and Prayer, and despised the life of great riches. Once when asked what he had eaten for dinner, he replied, “Beans and cabbage.” Therefrom the name stuck with him name Koukouzelis (Greek koukia for beans and Slavic zele for cabbage).

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Entering Mount Athos and being Tonsured a Monk, he replied to those who said he was too young for this:

“It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.”

Saint John shephered the animals in the solitude of the mountains while he Chanted Hymns will all his heart. The animals would loose interest in eating and stop grazing to listen to his Chanting.

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Once, after chanting the Akathist before an Icon of the Mother of God, she appeared to Saint John and said, “Rejoice, John, and do not cease to sing. For that, I shall not forsake you.” She placed into Saint John’s hand a golden coin, and then became invisible. This coin was placed beneath the Icon. The Icon, named the “Koukouzelissa” in memory of Saint John, is located in the Great Lavra Monastery of Saint Athanasios. It is commemorated on October 1, and on the 10th Friday after Pascha.

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From this point onwards, Saint John conducted his Chanting duties enthusiastically with great piety, and he would spend hours on his feet, without ever sitting. This caused his feet to form open wounds and unbearable pain. The Holy Theotokos appeared to him again and said: “From this moment on you will be healthy.” From that moment on, all of his wounds and sores disappeared. Following this Miracle, Saint John intensified his Asceticism and Prayer.

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Saint John foresaw his death, and whilst Praying, his Soul departed to the Lord Whom he loved and praised with his beautiful voice all his life.


An Icon