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Welcome to the Saints in Scripture Podcast.
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Today is Thursday, november twelfth, twenty twenty six.
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Today we remember Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria.
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He was born in Cyprus in the sixth century into a noble family.
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At his parents' wish, he married and had children, but after his wife and children passed away, he chose to become a monk.
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Saint John was known for his deep fasting, prayer, and great love for those around him.
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His spiritual life earned him respect from many, including the Emperor Heraclius.
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When the patriarchal throne of Alexandria became vacant, the emperor and clergy asked Saint John to take the position.
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He accepted and served with care for the moral and spiritual health of his people.
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As patriarch, he spoke out against harmful heresies and removed a monophysite leader from Alexandria.
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But his main focus was charity.
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Early in his service he had his stewards list all the poor and needy in the city.
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There were over 7,000.
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Saint John made sure these people were cared for every day from the church's funds.
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Twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays, he sat outside the cathedral to meet anyone in need.
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He helped settle disputes, supported those who were wronged, and gave alms.
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He also visited the sick three times a week, offering help and comfort.
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During a time when the Persian army attacked Jerusalem and took many captives, Saint John gave a large part of the church treasury to ransom those prisoners.
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Saint John never refused anyone who asked for help.
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Once he gave a beggar six silver coins.
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The beggar changed clothes and asked again, receiving six more coins.
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When the beggar returned a third time, the servants tried to turn him away, but Saint John insisted on giving him twelve coins, saying, Perhaps he is Christ putting me to the test.
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He also helped a merchant who had lost his ship twice, and the third time gave him a ship full of grain.
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The merchant was able to repay his debts thanks to this kindness.
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Saint John was gentle and forgiving.
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He once had to excommunicate two clergymen for offenses.
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One repented, but the other grew angry and sinned more.
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Saint John wanted to speak kindly to him but forgot.
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During the Divine Liturgy, he remembered the gospel teaching about reconciliation and immediately went out, knelt before the clergyman, and asked forgiveness.
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The man repented and was later ordained a priest.
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There was also a time when a man insulted George, the patriarch's nephew.
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George asked Saint John to take revenge.
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Instead, Saint John promised a surprising response.
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He taught George about meekness and humility, then excused the offender from paying rent for a whole year because he lived in a church-owned house.
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This act amazed the people of Alexandria and taught George to forgive for God's sake.
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Saint John was a strict ascetic and always mindful of his soul and death.
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He had a coffin made for himself, but told the workers not to finish it.
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He wanted them to ask him on each feast day if it was time to complete it.
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Later he traveled with the governor Nicidas to visit the Emperor in Constantinople.
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On the way he dreamed of a radiant man who said, The King of Kings summons you.
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Saint John returned to Cyprus and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord at Amanthos around the year 616 to 620.
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His life reminds us of the power of mercy, humility, and faithful service to God and neighbor.
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Lord help us to show mercy and kindness to those in need.
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Teach us to forgive and to serve with humility.
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, one God, amen.