Righteous · c. 1690–1730
John the Russian
Saint John the Russian and Confessor
New Calendar May 27 Old Calendar June 9
Why they are a saint
John the Russian was a russian soldier enslaved in Asia Minor who kept the faith as a humble servant; relics on Euboea. He is in Greek lists asked by drivers. The years given for this life are c. 1690–1730. The New Calendar feast is May 27.
Life
Saint John the Russian was born in Little Russia around 1690 and served as a simple soldier in the army of Peter I. Captured by the Tatars during the Prut campaign of 1711, he was sold to a Turkish cavalry commander and taken to the village of Prokopion in Asia Minor.
Beaten and tortured to make him accept Islam, he answered that he was born a Christian and would die a Christian, and his meekness and humility at last softened his master. He lived as a servant in a stable, praying at night. Before his death a priest brought him Holy Communion hidden in an apple, and he reposed on May 27, 1730. His relics were later taken to New Prokopion on Euboia, where a church was dedicated to him in 1951.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source says his help is sought by travellers and by those transporting things.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for drivers, travelers by land, motorists. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy John the Russian, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with other Johns.