St. John the Dwarf
Coptic Orthodox·Egypt·Ruins/Historical·4th century
St. John the Dwarf was a prominent Coptic Desert Father who lived a life of extreme austerity in the Scetes desert of Egypt. Renowned for his profound obedience, he became a disciple of Pambo and later an abbot of a monastery he founded. His life and teachings influenced many other monks, and his relics are venerated in various Christian traditions.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Thebes, Egypt, to poor Christian parents.
- ›Became a disciple of Pambo and friend of Pishoy in the Scetes desert.
- ›Founded a monastery around the 'Tree of Obedience'.
- ›Ordained a priest by Pope Theophilus.
- ›Fled the Mazices invasion of Scetes in 395, relocating to Mount Colzim.
- ›Known for a legendary act of obedience involving watering a dry piece of wood for three years until it sprouted into a tree.
Tree of Obedience, Relics Moved To Nitrian Desert In 515
John Colobus, John Kolobos, Abba John the Dwarf
Pambo, Pishoy, Arsenius the Great, Pope Theophilus
Mazices Invasion of Scetes
About St. John the Dwarf
St. John the Dwarf, also known as John Colobus or Abba John the Dwarf, was a significant figure among the early Desert Fathers of Christianity, active in Egypt. Born around 339 AD in Thebes to a poor Christian family, he embraced a life of extreme asceticism, moving to the Scetes desert at eighteen to become a disciple of Pambo. His life was characterized by profound obedience, a trait celebrated in numerous hagiographical accounts.
Life and Ministry
John the Dwarf's commitment to his spiritual path led him to live a life of austerity, subsisting on flatbread and vegetables and often eating only one meal a day. He developed a close friendship with Pishoy and influenced many other monks with his way of life, including Arsenius the Great. After Pambo's passing, John was ordained a priest by Pope Theophilus and assumed the leadership of a monastery he had founded, notably associated with the 'Tree of Obedience'. This monastery was situated in the Scetes desert, a region known for its monastic communities.
Flight and Legacy
In 395 AD, the Mazices invaded the Scetes region, forcing John and other monks to flee. He relocated to Mount Colzim, near the modern city of Suez, where he continued his monastic life until his death around 405 AD. Postumian, who visited Egypt in 402, reported seeing the legendary tree that had grown from a dry piece of wood John had diligently watered for three years, a testament to his extraordinary obedience.
After his death, the relics of St. John the Dwarf were transferred to the Nitrian Desert in 515 AD. His veneration is observed on different dates across various Christian churches, including October 17 in the Roman Catholic Church, 20 Paopi in the Coptic Orthodox Church, and November 9 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Monastery of Saint John the Dwarf in Scetes remains recognized by the Coptic Orthodox Church, preserving the memory of this influential ascetic.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was St. John the Dwarf born?
St. John the Dwarf was born around 339 AD in the town of Thebes in Egypt. His parents were poor Christians.
Who were St. John the Dwarf's spiritual mentors?
He became a disciple of Pambo in the desert of Scetes and was a close friend of Pishoy. He also taught other monks, including Arsenius the Great.
What is St. John the Dwarf most famous for?
He is best known for his exceptional obedience, exemplified by the story of planting and watering a dry piece of wood for three years until it grew into a fruitful tree.
Where did St. John the Dwarf live and where did he relocate?
He lived a life of austerity in the Scetes desert. Following an invasion in 395, he fled to Mount Colzim near present-day Suez.
When are the feast days for St. John the Dwarf?
His feast is celebrated on October 17 in the Roman Catholic Church, on 20 Paopi in the Coptic Orthodox Church, and on November 9 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Is there a monastery associated with St. John the Dwarf?
Yes, the Monastery of Saint John the Dwarf in Scetes is recognized by the Coptic Orthodox Church. He also founded an earlier monastery around the 'Tree of Obedience'.
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