Abbot’s date of birth is unknown but it appears to have been around the early 900’s. He was born into nobility in the area of Iberia, near the Black Sea, or what is now known as the country of Georgia.

He was renowned for his exceptional qualities as both a military commander and a husband. He worked to balance both his duties to his family and his commitment to faith. The couple were blessed with a son named Euthymius.

During his middle age, and around the year 960, with his strong devotion to his faith, he had several long discussions with his wife about his faith. With her approval, he decided to become a monk. This devotion and required solitude, so he decided to relocate to Mount Olympus in Bithynia and took the name of John.

While he was there, he discovered that his son had been kidnapped and held hostage by the Emperor in Constantinople. John went to rescue his son and together they traveled, spreading their faith. They attracted many followers on their journey to the Monastery of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos.

Soon many in the area became thirsty for the ascetic life and arrived to labor on the Holy Mountain. To serve the young community, John and his son Euthymios built a church in the honor of Saint John the Theologian. They also constructed the Iviron Monastery with the help of John’s brother-in-law, John Thornikos, a retired general. The monastery still stands today and is inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks.

Throughout his life, John exemplified piety, humility, and dedication to God. He left his worldly possessions behind to embrace his religious life. His resolute faith and commitment to the well-being of others continues to inspire followers of the Catholic faith.

John served as the 1st Abbot of Iviron and died in 1002.

His feast day is July 12th.

For God’s Glory.

The Iviron Monastery –