John the Prophet
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John the Prophet
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|---|---|
| Monk and Abbot | |
| Died | c. 543 |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Feast | 6 February |
| Influences | Barsanuphius |
| Influenced | Seridus of Gaza, Dorotheus of Gaza |
John the Prophet, known also as Venerable John, was the hermit of the monastery of Seridus and teacher of Dorotheus of Gaza.
Life
He practiced a life of silence and according to the Christian view earned the gifts of prophecy and perspicacity, for which he received the designation of prophet. During 18 years, up to his death, he was close to Barsanuphius of Palestine, with whom he exchanged letters. According to Church tradition he knew the date of his demise and in response to Abba Elianus' request he postponed his death for two weeks in order to instruct him how to run the cloister. The feast day of John the prophet is marked by Eastern Orthodox Church on February, 6 (Old style).