Hierarch
Saint John, Archbishop of Novgorod
September 7 Old CalendarSeptember 20 New Calendar
Life
He was first a priest and then, from the year 1163, a bishop in Novgorod. He built seven churches during his lifetime. He had a vision of the Holy Theotokos, and possessed an extraordinary power over demons, whom he even compelled to serve him. He miraculously saved Novgorod from an attack by seventy-two princes. He suffered from demonic temptations, but by the power of the Cross and prayer he overcame them all. In old age he withdrew to a monastery, received the great schema, and peacefully reposed in the Lord on September 7, 1185.
He suffered from demonic temptations, but by the power of the Cross and prayer he overcame them all.
From the Prologue from Ochrid by St. Nikolai Velimirovich, September 7. Translated by Marcian Sakarya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Also commemorated on September 7
The full reading for September 7 includes the hymn of praise, a reflection, a contemplation and a homily.
Open September 7 in the reader