John the Apostle
The Apostle and Evangelist John, also known as John the Theologian, was one of the original twelve Apostles. He wrote the Gospel bearing his name; three canonical letters: I John, II John and III John and the Book of Revelation. His primary feast day is celebrated on May 8, that of the twelve apostles on June 30, and his repose on September 26.
St. John was the son of Salome the myrrh-bearer and Zebedee, a fisherman. His brother was St. James, another apostle.
In his own Gospel account, he refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" rather than use his name. He was the youngest of the twelve apostles, and especially close to the Lord. This closeness is often portrayed in icons of the Last Supper, where St. John leans on Jesus.
He was present for the Transfiguration of Christ with Peter and his brother James.
He was also present at the crucifixion where Jesus entrusted him with the care of his mother with the words "behold thy mother". Along with Peter, he was the first disciple to run to the tomb after the news of the resurrection reached the eleven.
St. John was exiled to the island of Patmos by Emperor Domitian around 90-95 A.D., and it was there that he received and wrote the Book of Revelation.
He died in Ephesus ca. 100 AD.
External links
- Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian (OCA)
- Repose of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian (OCA)
- John the Apostle, Evangelist, and Theologian (GOARCH)
- The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian (GOARCH)
- The Commemoration of St. John The Evangelist (Coptic)
- The Departure of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian (Coptic)
- Cave of the Apocalypse
- St. John the Theologian Icon and Story
