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St. John the Merciful

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Feast Day: November 24
Birth: 552
Death: 616

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St. John the Almsgiver, also known as John the Merciful, was born in Cyprus and became Patriarch of Alexandria in the early seventh century. After the death of his wife and children, he devoted himself to the religious life. As patriarch, he organized extensive aid for the poor, supported those fleeing war, visited hospitals, and worked to reform abuses among the clergy and officials. When the Persians occupied Egypt, he returned to Cyprus, where he died in 616. His charity earned him the name “the Almsgiver.”

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