The inspirer to the Foundation’s mission

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7).

Saint John Eleimon (the Merciful) was born in Amathus (today’s old city of Limassol) in Cyprus. He was the son of the nobleman Epiphanius and Eucosmia, and he lived during the reign of King Heraclius (615 AD).

Early on he stood apart from those his own age in his character and piety. When he grew up he married and had children, whom he and his wife nurtured as true Christian parents. After a short time, however, both his wife and his children died. Having considerable possessions, John received many propositions to begin a new family. He turned all of them down, however, responding, “I think that to everyone I am a debtor. And I do not just think it, I am. Because as Christians, we are a community. Did not Saint Paul say, “We are members of one another”? Therefore, since I have the ability to give to my brethren, it follows that I am obligated to give. You see, because I work, I shall not cease to do this. It is not possible that my possessions are greater than this debt of mine”. Consequently, liberated from all his worldly concerns, he dedicated himself completely to God.

His good works and his great charity made him known everywhere. After the repose of the Patriarch of Alexandria, both the people and the emperor pressed him to ascend the patriarchal throne, to which he reluctantly agreed. He shined as a spiritual beacon in the patriarchate for ten years and worked many miracles. As he showed such great mercy to the poor through almsgiving, he became known as the “Merciful”. He was held in such high regard that even the idolaters revered him. He finally peacefully gave up his blessed soul to God in 620 AD. He is commemorated on 12 November.