Saint John the Russian

Saint John the Russian (1690–1730) was a soldier in the army of Peter the Great who was captured by Tatar forces during the Russo-Turkish War and sold into slavery in Cappadocia (present-day Turkey). Rather than renounce his Christian faith in exchange for freedom, he chose to remain a slave and live as a confessor of Christ among his Muslim captors.

Saint John endured years of mockery, pressure, and hardship with extraordinary patience, humility, and joy. He served his master faithfully while secretly practicing his faith, receiving Holy Communion from a local Orthodox priest who brought him the Eucharist hidden in an apple. His holiness became evident to all around him, and even his master came to respect him deeply.

Saint John reposed in 1730, and his relics were found incorrupt. They were later transferred to the island of Euboea in Greece, where they remain enshrined to this day and continue to work miracles. He is one of the most beloved saints in Greece. His feast day is May 27. Browse our handcrafted Orthodox icons and devotional items honoring Saint John the Russian, made in our Ohio workshop using traditional Byzantine embroidery techniques.