Orthodox Parables and Stories: Saint John the Silent and the lion

Saint John, Bishop of Cologne, was born in Nicopolis, Armenia in 454 AD. and died in old age, at the age of 104 years. This great Father of our Church had a particularly good relationship with all animals, especially with lions, who not only obeyed him but also protected him. After the death of St. Savvas, in the Monastery of which Saint John had lived for many years, he sent his disciples to the city of Liviada, beyond the Jordan. On the way they met a huge lion, who showed a wild mood and the monks were afraid, stopped the journey and began to pray. Suddenly, however, they saw St. John next to them, ordering in an urgent, yet gentle manner, the lion to depart. The animal obeyed immediately, so the two monks managed to continue their journey.

Another time, the Persian pirates climbed the mountain where the Saint was practicing, and began to tear down the cells of the monks. When they approached the cell of St. John in order to overthrow him, they saw a large lion in the entrance and they were afraid to flee. They did not know that the Saint was living with this lion, who protected him and obeyed him.

Our Church commemorates Saint John the Silent on December 16/3.