Saint John of Kathara

Biography

Saint John of Kathara, also known as John di Catari, John of Cathares, and John of Constantinople, was a highly respected figure in the Catholic Church. He entered a monastery at a remarkably young age of nine, displaying an early inclination towards a life of piety and devotion. Throughout his life, Saint John actively participated in the theological and ecclesiastical affairs of his time. His presence was noted during the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, where important discussions and decisions were made regarding iconoclasm. It was during this council that the veneration of religious icons was reaffirmed and defended against those who sought to destroy or denounce them. Ordained at the renowned Dalmatus monastery in Constantinople, Saint John's knowledge and understanding of the faith allowed him to assume the role of a spiritual leader. He became the Hegumen, or abbot, of the Kathara monastery in Bithynia, which is located in modern-day Turkey, in the year 805. However, Saint John's unwavering commitment to the veneration of icons would ultimately lead to his persecution. In 815, for boldly opposing the iconoclasm policy of Emperor Leo V, he was forcibly removed from his position as Hegumen, physically beaten, and sent into exile. During this period of exile, Saint John collaborated closely with Saint Theodore the Stoudite, another prominent advocate for the preservation of icons. Together, they passionately defended the significance of religious images in the practice of the Catholic faith. In 817, Saint John was brought back to Constantinople, where both the emperor and the patriarch attempted to sway his allegiance towards the iconoclasts. Despite their efforts, he adamantly refused to compromise his position and was once again exiled for his unwavering commitment to preserving the veneration of icons. Throughout his life, Saint John's persistence and unyielding faith served as an inspiration to many. Despite the repeated attempts at persecution, he continued to stand resolute in his beliefs, which earned him the admiration and respect of both clergy and laity. In late 820, Saint John was allowed to return to his house, providing a temporary respite from the trials he had endured. However, this period of peace would not last. In 832, when the iconoclasts once again gained power in the Byzantine Empire, he was exiled yet again, becoming a symbol of resistance against the suppression of religious imagery. Saint John of Kathara's life came to a peaceful end around the year 835. He passed away on the prison island of Aphousia, known today as Avsa, Balikesir, Turkey, due to natural causes. His unwavering dedication to the veneration of icons and his unwavering faith in the face of persecution made him a revered figure in the Catholic Church. Saint John of Kathara was recognized for his profound impact on the defense of icons and the preservation of religious practices. His canonization took place during the Pre-Congregation era when the process of sainthood was still developing. While Saint John does not possess any specific patronage, his courageous defense of the veneration of holy images continues to inspire and guide faithful Catholics today.