Saint of the Day – 21 July – Saint John (6th Century) Deacon, Hermit, apostle of the poor and needy and disciple and friend of St Simeon Salus (Died c570) – nown as “The Holy Fool.” Born and died probably in Emesa, Syria.
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The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Syria, the holy Monk St John, a companion of St Simeon Salus.” https://anastpaul.com/2025/07/01/saint-of-the-day-1-july-st-simeon-salus-died-c570-confessor/
As a young man became the Deacon of the Church in the City of Emesa. There he became a friend, disciple and finally the companion of St Simeon Salus. This occurred in the following manner:
Simeon did not play a fool with his friend John, the Deacon of the Church in Emesa. Simeon once saved John from being executed when he was falsely accused. Shortly before his death, Simeon told John:
“I beg you, never disregard a single soul, especially when it happens to be a Monk or a beggar. For your charity knows that His place is among the beggars, especially among the blind, people made as pure as the sun through their patience and distress …Show love of your neighbour through almsgiving. For this virtue, above all, will help us on the Day of Judgement.”
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