Venerable Joannicius the Great

Life

This great spiritual luminary was born in the village of Marikata in the region of Bithynia, of his father Myritricus and his mother Anastasia. As a boy he was a shepherd of sheep. While pasturing the sheep he would often withdraw into solitude and remain the whole day in prayer, having surrounded his flock with the sign of the Cross so that they would not wander away and scatter. After this he was taken into the army, where he displayed miraculous courage, especially in the wars against the Bulgarians. After his military service, Joannicius withdrew to Mount Olympus in Asia, where he became a monk and gave himself entirely to the ascetic struggle, from which he did not depart until his deep old age and his death. He struggled ascetically for over fifty years in various places. He had from God a most abundant gift of wonderworking: he healed all diseases and afflictions, cast out demons, tamed wild beasts, and especially had power over serpents; he walked across water as on dry land, became invisible to people when he desired it, and prophesied future events. He was distinguished by exceeding humility and meekness. In outward appearance he was like a giant, large and powerful. He took a living part in the destiny of the Church of God. During the time of iconoclasm, at first he too had been deceived, but afterward he recovered and became an ardent champion of the veneration of icons. He had a great friendship with Patriarch Methodius of Constantinople. Joannicius lived ninety-four years and reposed peacefully in the Lord in the year 846. A great wonderworker both before and after his death.

From the Hymn of Praise

O saint of God, JoanniciusThou didst find mercy in Christ GodMercy for us sinners also entreatThe grace of the Holy Spirit.