Saint John Calabytes

Biography

Saint John Calabytes, also known as Saint John the Beggar, was born into a wealthy family in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey). However, at a young age, he felt a strong calling to the monastic life and decided to run away from home. At the tender age of 12, he found refuge at the Monastery of Gomon on the Bosphorus.

For six years, Saint John dedicated himself to a life of prayer, solitude, and asceticism within the walls of the monastery. However, he eventually felt compelled to return to his family, albeit in a completely different state. When he arrived at his family's doorstep as an 18-year-old beggar, his own kin failed to recognize him. Despite this, they saw the holiness emanating from him and allowed him to live as a hermit in a small hut, which became known as a "calybe" in Greek, near their front door.

Saint John Calabytes lived out the remainder of his days in humble seclusion, spending his time in prayer and offering guidance to those who sought his help. He became renowned for his compassion and deep empathy, especially towards the poor and homeless in society. His own experience of being unrecognized by his own family, having returned to them in a state of poverty, highlighted the importance of recognizing the humanity in others, regardless of their societal status.

Only upon his death were his family informed of his true identity. Their astonishment at the revelation spoke to the profound impact Saint John had made in his hidden life as a beggar and hermit. From then on, Saint John Calabytes became a symbol of homelessness and the need to see the dignity and worth of every human being, no matter their outward appearance or circumstances.

Saint John Calabytes is often depicted in art as a beggar with a Gospel in his hand, symbolizing his unwavering faith and commitment to the teachings of Christ. Another representation shows him revealing his true identity to his parents on his deathbed, reminding us of the importance of recognizing the inherent worth and potential in every individual.

He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on January 15th. Saint John Calabytes passed away around the year 450 of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of love, humility, and compassion for all. His story serves as a timeless reminder to look beyond outward appearances and to remember the inherent dignity of every person we encounter.