The Life of St. John the New, of Sochava - a complete biography, miracles, relics of the great martyr

Holy Great Martyr John the New, Sochava.

John the New, Sochava, Belgorod, Trebizond
(c. 1300 - 1330 [1]), great martyr Commemorated June 2 [2], June 12 (Greek) [3], June 24 (Romanian) [4], in the Galician Cathedrals , Odessa and Moldavian saints

Great Martyr John the New was born into a pious Christian family in the city of Trebizond around 1300. Like his father, he was engaged in trade, was pious, firm in Orthodoxy and merciful to the poor.

Once, on trade business, he had to sail on a ship from his hometown in Belgorod on the Bosphorus, which was at that time under the rule of the idolatrous Tatars. While sailing in the Black Sea, John had conversations about faith with the Venetian merchant Reiz. [5] Seeing himself humiliated in the dispute, the Venetian harbored a grudge against the saint and decided to take revenge on him.

Upon his arrival in Belgorod, the Venetian announced to the nobility of the city that John intended to renounce the Orthodox faith. The mayor honorably invited Saint John to join them, blaspheming faith in Christ. The saint prayed secretly, calling on the Lord for help, and He gave him the courage and understanding to reject all the claims of the wicked and firmly confess himself to be a Christian.

After this, the saint was beaten so cruelly with sticks that his whole body was torn to pieces, and the flesh scattered into pieces under the blows. The holy martyr prayed, thanking God, who deigned him to shed blood for Him and wash away his sins. Then the saint was put in chains and dragged to prison. In the morning the mayor ordered the saint to be brought again. The martyr appeared before him with a bright and cheerful face. The intrepid martyr refused the repeated offer to renounce Christ with the same firmness, denouncing the ruler as an instrument of Satan. Then they beat him again with sticks so that all his insides were exposed. The people present could not bear this terrible sight and began to scream indignantly, denouncing the ruler who was so inhumanely torturing a defenseless person. The ruler, stopping the beating, ordered the great martyr to be tied by the legs to the tail of a wild horse and dragged through the streets of the city. Residents of Jewish neighborhoods especially mocked the martyr and threw stones at him. Finally, one Jew grabbed a sword, overtook the dragged saint and cut off his head. The Great Martyr departed to the Lord at the age of thirty, in 1330.

Vmch. John the New, Sochavsky. Romanian icon.

Life of John of Sochava

The saint lived in the 14th century in the city of Trebizond. The man was about 30 years old, he was engaged in trade, but he was a Christian and firmly believed in God.

One day he hired a ship to travel on trade business. The captain of the ship was a wayward sailor who professed paganism. He did not like the pious passenger, who tried to help everyone who experienced all sorts of difficulties along the way. The sailor's pagan nature was repugnant to fasting and prayer, kindness and forgiveness. He entered into an argument with the saint, trying to call him to faith in pagan gods, but he always lost in the debate, which caused even stronger attacks of irritation in him.

Soon the friag came up with an insidious plan to destroy the holy righteous man. The moment the ship landed on the shores of Belgrade, he went to the local sun-worshipping city manager and slandered Blessed John. He assured the mayor that his passenger was determined to betray Christ and convert to Islam.

He added that John was a rich merchant and sage, so the mayor would be honored to have such a convert on his account.

The governor ordered John to be brought to him. He received him in front of a large crowd, with great respect, and suggested that he publicly renounce Orthodoxy. John knew that the moment he uttered words refuting the captain’s lies, the last moment of his earthly life would come. He prayed, and then out loud he accused the mayor of lying, pointing out that this was the work of Satan. He called on the ruler of the city to accept Christianity, to which the mayor, angered by John’s words, ordered the man to be stretched out on the ground and that there was strength to beat his body with sticks. From the strongest blows his skin was torn into pieces, he received such injuries that he should have died immediately.

But John prayed and thanked the Creator for the opportunity to atone for his sins. The barely alive man was tied up and thrown into prison.

Icon of John of Sochava

The end of the earthly journey

Early in the morning the city governor ordered the martyr to be brought to him. Seeing him exhausted, but with a brightened face, he became furious again. John said that if the tormentor had prepared new torments for him, then let him continue the torture. Enraged by the great power of the saint's spirit, the tormentor ordered a wild horse to be brought, John tied to his feet and his body dragged at full gallop through the streets of Belgrade. But it so happened that one of the Jews cut off the saint’s head with a swing of his sword.

By analogy with John the Baptist, who ended his earthly journey from the beheading of the holy head with his sword, John of Sochava began to be called John the New.

Read about other Christian martyrs for the faith:

Life of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
Life of the Holy Martyr Boniface of Tarsus
Life of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon

A miracle that happened

The body of the murdered man lay in the city square at night. Because of fear, none of the Christian population dared to take the body and bury it. But everyone saw the lit lamps next to John’s body. Three men in luminous robes sang funeral songs and psalms over the deceased.

One of the Jews who observed the miracle decided that the three husbands were Orthodox priests who had come to take the body for burial. He took a bow and arrows from home, pulled the string and froze in this position. So he stood until dawn.

In the morning the lamps and husbands disappeared, but the “shooter” remained motionless.

Curious people came up to him and were interested in what had happened, so the Jew had to tell them the whole truth. Involuntarily, he testified to the Glory of the Lord and a miracle happened - an unknown force that had previously fettered his limbs released his body and he was able to relax his hands.

The rumor of a terrible miracle reached the tormentor-city ruler. In fear of God's punishment, he allowed the believers to bury John's body in accordance with Christian traditions. The martyr was buried with honors near the local Orthodox church.

After some time, the pagan captain, who handed Saint John over to be torn to pieces by the Belgorod city governor, became aware of the story of the death of the martyr. He repented and decided to bring the body of the deceased to his homeland as a shrine. But the martyr John appeared in a dream vision to the rector of the temple near which he was buried and told about the impending crime.

Then the parishioners decided to lay the holy relics on the altar of the temple, where they lay for 70 years.

Suceava (Romania). In the Monastery of St. John the New

The most powerful prayer to John of Sochavsky for successful trading

Prayer to St. John of Sochava helps in successful trading. But in order for the prayer to be heard, it should be read for at least a month every day. This will be considered proof to the Higher Powers that you will not deviate from your chosen path.

The text of the prayer reads as follows:
“Oh, Saint John, you are recognized by God as a Great Martyr.
You lived a short, but honest and righteous earthly life and worthily withstood all the tests destined for you by fate. Even unbearable torment did not force you to abandon the Christian faith. You accepted a terrible death with sincere prayer on your lips and faith in the power of the Lord. Throughout your earthly life, you have strived to help those in need by engaging in honest trading. And now in heaven you turn your gaze to those who turn to you for help. You are forgiving, merciful and just. Hear me and help me in my good deed. Do not leave me with my problems in confusion, praying to you. Pray for me before the Lord, beg him for forgiveness of all my sins, known and unknown. Help me and guide me on the right path, let my business develop in the right direction. Make sure that envious people and enemies move away from me, so that I do not encounter deception and ill-wishers. I believe and trust in your protection. Amen".

This prayer helps in all trading matters. It will allow you to conclude profitable trade deals and give you inner confidence at the initial stage of business development. Of course, if you do nothing, then even praying every day to St. John of Sochava, it will be impossible to achieve success in trading. For prayer to help, you need to actively take various actions. It should be understood that by sincerely praying and turning to the Higher Powers for help, a person will be able to turn the life situation in his favor and attract the right people into his life. Saint John of Sochava himself worked hard during his lifetime, so he continues to support those who are not lazy and strive to earn money honestly.

The power of miraculous relics

Many miracles were performed over the incorruptible body of the martyr: a bright light shone, and a pillar of fire similar to the one that shone in the square periodically appeared. The relics exuded a fragrant aroma and healings occurred with them.

In 1402, Governor Alexander, who was ruling Molodovlahia at that time, learned about the miracles taking place in 1402. He wanted to bring the holy relics to himself, to which Belgrade Christians gave their consent. The meeting of the incorruptible body of the holy martyr was accompanied by censing, many candles in the hands of those who met, the Christians were full of great joy.

The relics were placed in the main church of the city of Sochava, and St. John became the patron saint of the city. In 1589, ruler Bogdan III built a new cathedral and the miraculous relics were transferred with honor to its walls.

When the Tatars attacked Sochava, Metropolitan Anatoly, together with the entire city, prayed before the relics. A procession of the cross took place with them, and the incorrupt body was carried on a cart. But in order to preserve the relics, the Christians decided to hide the cart in the citadel, but it turned out to be immovable. The next morning, the Savior sent a heavy downpour on the city, the river overflowed its banks and, in gusts of rain and squally wind, the Tatars retreated, unable to move around the city.

In 1686, Jan Sobieński and his army transported the holy remains to Poland. There they rested for almost 100 years and showed the world the miracles of the Lord. Moreover, representatives of Catholicism resorted to the power of miraculous relics. In 1783, the relics returned to their homeland in Sochava.

Interesting. Among the numerous miracles performed at the request of the martyr John, the miracle that happened to one noble noblewoman is especially noteworthy. She decided to secretly steal a piece of the saint’s relics and tore off a piece of his finger. Attempts to go home were unsuccessful because her carriage was frozen to the spot. The woman realized her wrongdoing, repented and returned the stolen part of her finger.

And to this day, many people thank St. John for healing from blindness of the eyes, dumbness of the tongue, and paralysis of the limbs.

Events in Moncastro

The ship soon entered the port, whose mayor worshiped fire. At first, he joyfully received John and offered to join one of the rituals. But having learned that a Christian was his guest, he treated him in the most cruel way. First, John was beaten with sticks and imprisoned in order to give him another chance in the morning to renounce Christ.

In the morning, the mayor carried out such torture that even the gathered crowd began to demand that it be stopped. Then the torn to pieces but still alive great martyr was tied by a long rope to a horse's tail and dragged along the ground through the streets of the city. Many residents threw stones at him until one cut off John's head.

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No one dared to approach the remains, but at night they saw a pillar of light above them, and three figures similar to angels, who, bending down, sang psalms, and then disappeared into the air.

All this happened in the city of Monkastro, which today we know as Belgorod-Dnestrovsky.

The captain greatly repented of his action, but John’s blood was shed for Christ, and he took a place among God’s chosen ones, to whom we can now turn with a request to pray for us.

Prayer Requests

The Holy Great Martyr John of Sochava helps not only people engaged in trade and businessmen by intercession before the Lord God.

Rivers of prayer books flock to him to resolve various needs:

health problems;
impossibility of conception;
discord in family relationships;
damaged relationships with teenage children;
the machinations of dark forces;
assistance in finding a job;
protection from temptations;
guidance on the true path.

More about Orthodox prayers for all occasions:

Prayer for admonition of a person
Prayer for poverty and debt
Prayer to increase love and eradicate hatred

Information site about icons, prayers, Orthodox traditions.

Prayer to John of Sochava is a help for any person.
You just need to read it at the Face of the Saint. It is recommended to go to the Temple. There, contact the minister so that he can show you the icon. It is near her that the first prayer to John of Sochava should be said. It’s unlikely that anyone will tell you why it is necessary to act this way. Only experienced people recommend starting with the Temple. And then buy the consecrated Icon for home. To make any sense from your prayers, you need to have it with you.

They also recommend buying a small image, which must be blessed. Let him be with you at work and protect your luck. This is recommended by those for whom prayer to John of Sochava has become a habitual activity. No one has yet said a bad word to the Saint.

It is necessary to say a few words about how to correctly address the Saint. This, in principle, applies not only to this case. Anyone who doesn’t believe this text can check with the priest. He'll probably say the same thing. The prayer to John of Sochavsky for trade should not be filled with stinginess, but with love. This is extremely important.

You are not turning to a potential sponsor, but to a spiritual mentor. Will you say that a merchant’s business cannot be done with love? Don't think so. In fact, there is nothing wrong with a person offering goods for money. He doesn’t steal, he doesn’t take away. This is an honorable task, like any other. Everyone needs these products.

So what's wrong with someone busy proposing and implementing them? A prayer to John of Sochavsky for trade is a request for protection in righteous and hard work. This is how this process should be approached. Just don’t get too proud of your importance. There's no point in this. Work is honored when it is done for the common good.

It would also be good not to approach the Icon in vain. It is not good to say a prayer without the proper mood. It is clear that a business person always has a lot of problems in his head. But to communicate with a spiritual patron, it is necessary to free both the brain and feelings. By the way, maybe this is why the first prayer to St. John of Sochava in the Temple is said, as people say.

There, in silence, anyone inevitably approaches spirituality. In any case, it has a better chance of detaching itself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is recommended to approach prayer with trepidation.

Ask the Saint to push you towards good deeds, and not just profit. Feel your need for the people around you.

This is not a mandatory rule, only a recommendation expressed by those who have been working in the trading field for a long time.

It is necessary to clarify that there are many texts. Everyone is free to choose the one that touches their soul. We will give several examples. If you feel a response, then use it to your health. Text one: “Holy, all-praiseworthy Great Martyr of Christ John! We intercede most earnestly for our salvation. The servants of the Lord pray to You, gathered in the Temple, venerating the relics of the saints.

Be merciful to us, come to our aid in difficult work! We appease your great suffering with praise. So descend to the slaves of sinners. Ask our most merciful Lord and Savior for forgiveness of the sins we have committed up to this hour. May he keep us safe from the wiles of the evil one, human evil, mental and physical ailments. Amen!

Let's give one more text. He is especially praised by those who work directly with clients. See for yourself. Second prayer: “O saint to Saint Joan! We praise and remember your feat, what good you did on earth. You bore the Lord's crown of truth to all who believe in Him. We rejoice over your glorious death and honor your memory.

You, when you appear before the Throne of God, remember our prayers and requests to forgive all our sins. Take them to the Most Merciful Lord. Pray to Him to help us against the wiles of the devil. About deliverance from sorrow and illness, misfortunes and misfortunes, and all other unclean evils. Help us live our lives righteously.

We pray for your representation before the Most Merciful Lord. Amen!"

Now a little about the results of your soul’s labors, if that’s what they are. Prayer to John the new Sochavsky will gradually change your life. This will not happen suddenly. Some sooner, others later will come to understand their true place in the world. This will make success and luck come to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epdpOgqUa20

By the way, experienced people say that evil eyes on their way after prayer are less common, and deceivers disappear. But not all at once. It all depends, so to speak, on the starting position. If your trading is not going well, and you are increasingly losing, then do not expect quick results. You know, the Lord believes that you need to overcome trials.

Well, if everything is fine, then with prayer it will become even better. They say that there are people who, with the help of St. John of Sochava, got out of such debts that they could even get into a noose. But this is not reliable information. Here everyone has their own path outlined, according to their faith. And you try your luck. Who knows what will happen.

In any case, prayer will help you change a little. You will begin to approach life more consciously and responsibly.

Such cases also happen. Have you noticed that the texts do not mention either profit or trading? There, more and more emphasis is placed on asking for protection. So, if your efforts at work do not help you, you need to know that you need to remove the damage. Apparently, the devilish tribe has managed to build its nest in your soul.

This is what prevents you from developing your business and enjoying life. For this, of course, it is also necessary to turn to the Lord. In your own words, ask him for mercy. May he grant you his goodness, the light of his soul. Pray from your heart. Don't forget to tell us about your problems.

This is sometimes enough for a person to independently realize his mistakes. After all, corruption is the result of an incorrect worldview. To know that you have offended someone with your words or actions. Ask the Lord for forgiveness. He is merciful and will definitely guide you on the path that was prepared for you.

Great Martyr John the New

John the New, Sochavsky, Belgorod (c. 1300-1330), great martyr. Commemorated June 2, June 24 (Romanian) together with “John’s Day” - the Nativity of John the Baptist.

Great Martyr John the New was born into a pious Christian family in the city of Trebizond around 1300. Like his father, he was engaged in trade, was pious, firm in Orthodoxy and merciful to the poor.

Once, on trade business, he had to sail on a ship from his hometown in Belgorod on the Bosphorus, which was at that time under the rule of the idolatrous Tatars. While sailing in the Black Sea, John had conversations about faith with the Venetian merchant Reiz. Seeing himself humiliated in the dispute, the Venetian harbored a grudge against the saint and decided to take revenge on him.

Worship and miracles

The body of the great martyr with his severed head lay until evening; none of the Christians dared to take it. At night, a luminous pillar and many burning lamps were visible above it; three luminous men performed psalm singing and incense over the saint’s body. One of the Jews, thinking that it was the Christians who had come to take the remains of the martyr, grabbed a bow and wanted to shoot an arrow at them, but, bound by the invisible power of God, he became motionless. When morning came, the vision disappeared, and the shooter continued to stand motionless. Having told the assembled residents of the city about the night vision and the punishment of God that befell him, he freed himself from invisible bonds. Having learned about what had happened, the mayor allowed the remains of the great martyr to be buried. The body was buried with honor at the local Orthodox church.

The Venetian, who delivered Saint John to torture, plotted to steal his body from the grave. But at night, while he was digging the ground, Saint John appeared in a dream to the presbyter of the Belgorod church and prevented this. The priest saved the holy relics and reburied them in the altar of the temple. Here they stayed for 70 years, performing many miracles and healings.

When Metropolitan Joseph of Moldova learned about the miracles emanating from the holy relics, he convinced the pious ruler Alexander the Good to transfer them to the capital of the Moldavian principality, Sochava. The Lord sent an embassy of nobles, clergy and soldiers with a princely cart in order to redeem the holy relics. When the embassy with the relics approached Sochava, the metropolitan and the ruler and all the people came out to meet him and glorified the holy martyr. On June 2, 1402, the relics of St. John were placed with great honor in the cathedral church of Mirauti and many then received miraculous healings from them. Since then, the Holy Great Martyr John the New was revered as the patron saint of the Moldavian people and began to be called Sochavsky.

In 1589, his relics were transferred from the old Hospodar church to the new metropolitan cathedral built by Hospodar Bogdan III. In 1622, during the Tatar invasion of Sochava, the people turned to the holy great martyr; Metropolitan Anastasy (Krymets) served an all-night service and urged the faithful to pray to God for mercy. After a triple religious procession around the cathedral with the Gospel and relics, they were going to hide them in the Sochava citadel, but the oxen could not move the cart from its place. In the morning, through the intercession of the saint, God sent a heavy rain and the Sochava River overflowed its banks. The Tatars were unable to cross to the city and retreated in confusion.

In 1686, the relics of the saint, together with Saint Dosifei of Moldova and many riches, were taken by the Polish troops of John Sobieski and transported to Zhovkva. For 97 years they stayed here, performing many miracles, so that both Orthodox and Roman Catholics resorted to the intercession of the saint.

On September 13, 1783, thanks to the tireless efforts of Bishop Dosifei of Radovetsky, this great shrine of the Moldavian people returned from Poland. The relics of St. John were greeted by the whole world - for almost three months they were transported to the cities and villages of northern Moldavia and only then were returned to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sochava.

Of the many miracles associated with the saint, inexhaustible even today, the event in 1898 is noteworthy, when one noble noblewoman secretly tore off a piece of the saint’s finger. Her cart could not move until she repented and returned a piece of the relics. The Patericon of Archimandrite Ioannikis (Belan) provides many testimonies of miraculous healings of blindness, muteness and paralysis, which took place in the 1960s through the prayers of the saint.

The celebration of the Holy Great Martyr John in the Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the greatest holidays, especially on the feast day of June 24, when an annual pilgrimage is held in honor of the saint.

Akathist to the Holy Great Martyr John Sochaevsky

Kontakion 1

To the chosen defender, champion and destroyer of wickedness, the newly-minted martyr and honest warrior of Christ, like the sun of the Eastern Church who has risen and fulfilled the joy of the faithful, now with all our hearts we offer thanksgiving and praise, singing with love: Rejoice, John, great martyr of Christ.

Ikos 1

Your God-pleasing life became an angel, I bore the suffering of Christ, John. For in your body, you lived the life of an angel on earth, through alms and unceasing prayers, even through suffering. Moreover, we offer this praiseworthy achievement to you: Rejoice, for through your fasting and unceasing prayers you have become like an Angel; Rejoice, for with your alms and tears you have terrified the demons. Rejoice, for you have comforted the sorrowing; Rejoice, for you helped the sick. Rejoice, for thou hast appeared in a dead body as an earthly angel; Rejoice, for you were a man of heaven who was wise. Rejoice, for you came from faithful parents; Rejoice, for you have preserved the Orthodox faith in the end. Rejoice, who grew from the glorious city of Trebizond; Rejoice, for you have become completely enriched with all kinds of virtues. Rejoice, for you have shown yourself to be a skilled merchant in the sea; Rejoice, for you have guided the merchants of your soul well. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 2

Seeing, martyr of Christ, the wickedness of the devil, through the help of another believer, arose on you, in order to remove you from the Orthodox faith, but with the wisdom given to you by God, you knew the cunning of the sorcerer, you were not caught by the goodness of the Most High, and thus you sang: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

With a mind enlightened from above, having cognized the slander inflicted on you by the heretic Reiz, to the pagan eparch of Belgrade, as if you would deign to deviate from the true Christian faith; and even though he bowed down to you in every way, you remained in no way victorious. Also, according to the heritage, hear this brought by us: Rejoice, you who denounced the lying Reiz; Rejoice, you who remain unshakable like a pillar. Rejoice, for the flattery of the eparch is imputed to nothing; Rejoice, having strengthened the faithful in piety. Rejoice, for you did not desire to devour the sun and the morning star; Rejoice, for you have insulted this wicked priest. Rejoice, for you preached the Creator of this one God in the Trinity; Rejoice, for you have not blasphemed the Christian faith. Rejoice, for you were the luminary of creation, and you were not the gods of advertising; Rejoice, for this reason the tyrant was martyred. Rejoice, you who denounced the eparch before everyone; Rejoice, you were diligent in inclining him to piety. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 3

Strengthened by the power of the grace of the Holy Spirit, you spoke with much boldness to the hegemon, the warrior of Jesus: do not hope, O tyrant, that I will ever fall away from my Christ and will worship the creature rather than the Creator! Let this not happen, until I give up this breath, with the same great voice you cried out: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having in your face, more passion-bearing than Christ, joy, when you spoke to this eparch, and there was no danger or fear in you. He, unable to endure this, became inflamed with rage and ordered to bring many clubs and expose Thee. As if you were found, for this reason we cry out to you: Rejoice, for when you saw the club, you were not afraid; Rejoice, because from this vision you resisted the tyrant more and more. Rejoice, for you have put off the old garments from the earth; Rejoice, for you have clothed yourself in the purple of incorruptibility in heaven. Rejoice, for you were not afraid of mortal torment; Rejoice, for by neglecting these things we tormented the tormentor greatly. Rejoice, for you have denounced him before those present; Rejoice, for you have confessed that you are a servant of God. Rejoice, thou who taught thy father well; Rejoice, you did not desire to devour the gods of Gemon. Rejoice, for thou hast declared the wicked to torment thee without obstinacy; Rejoice, for through those torments you were sent to the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 4

Bring a storm of passions upon you, O long-suffering one, when you said that I worship the Creator, and not the creature, and when your wicked tormentor heard your words, he would bend you to his desperate desire; I was inflamed with wondrous and foolish anger, and began to torment you. But you, martyr of Christ, courageously enduring, strengthening you to God, you sang with joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing the truth that your heart was adamantine, when you suffered for love for the sake of what you desired, blessed martyr of Christ, imputing your torment to nothing, with the grace of Christ we strengthen the anger of the tormentor, like a poisonous adder, trampling upon you, and you joyfully flowed into the gravest torment. For this reason, hear this from us: Rejoice, for you were stretched naked on the earth for torment; Rejoice, you who have intelligent eyes on heaven. Rejoice, when you were beaten without mercy by knotty clubs, you did not faint; Rejoice, as the tormentors who cruelly tormented you, weakened. Rejoice, for you valiantly endured the fragmentation of your body; Rejoice, for you who provoked the tormentor to anger. Rejoice, for through the beating of your flesh your flesh has been separated from your bones; Rejoice, for by this you have gathered the Angels to surprise. Rejoice, thou whost stained the earth with thy blood; Rejoice, you have trampled Satan with your feet. Rejoice, for this you offered thanksgiving to the Lord Christ; Rejoice, for He strengthened you even for the most severe torment. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 5

More godly than the star that guided the Magi in ancient times to the righteous Sun, you were like the Great Martyr of Christ, leading you to the knowledge of the true God, to whom you prayed; The tormentor is filled with more anger and torments you more cruelly, as if your voice has become impoverished. But you, the passion-bearer, courageously enduring torment, from the depths of your heart you cried out to Christ: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing you faithfully, at the command of the hegemon, tied with chains, warrior of Christ John, thrown into prison, and placed on the gravest torment, and all your flesh was crushed from the beating, I was amazed. The next day, when I presented myself for trial, you appeared before the tormentor with a cheerful face; The wicked Kadiy was greatly surprised and horrified, for this reason we call you pleasingly: Rejoice, you were bound with chains for Christ’s sake; Rejoice, for with these you have frightened the devil. Rejoice, as one who lives in prison; Rejoice, for to this day you have dwelled in the most radiant paradise. Rejoice, for having been wounded throughout your body by the most severe wounds, you have found yourself cheerful; Rejoice, as the frantic tormentor was surprised at this. Rejoice, you who were careless about healing the wounds on your body; Rejoice, for in this way your soul has prospered most redly. Rejoice, for your outward man has been destroyed; Rejoice, for the inner one has received the best renewal. Rejoice, for the most severe torment on you was invented by the tormentor; Rejoice, received with love. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 6

You preached, the most glorious martyr of Christ, the grace of God that wanted to come to you, heeding the thought of it, you valiantly endured suffering, the planing and tearing of your flesh, for this reason the foolish tyrant was filled with anger, like a wild beast, crying out, he commanded to torment you most cruelly and without mercy beati; When this happened, you cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Shining with martyrdom, more passion-bearing than Christ, John, for you were tormented, as the inner gray and exhausted tormentors from the merciless stress are the same for others. But you, worthy warrior, did not change your thoughts towards the Lord Jesus you desired, but you prayed even more, that He would grant you to endure to the end. We, defending ourselves through your prayers, cry out to you: Rejoice, for you, who were tormented without mercy for Christ, have not changed in your patience; Rejoice, for those who beat you have changed. Rejoice, for with your mind you stood in God, who strengthens you; Rejoice, for Christ, by the grace of the Holy Spirit from above, has visited you. Rejoice, for all who have gathered in disgrace for the severity of the tormentor have reproached; Rejoice, for you have worn out from heaven the garment not made with hands. Rejoice, for even those who tormented you were exhausted; Rejoice, for having seen you, you are filled with many sorrows. Rejoice, you who bear the marks of Christ on your body; Rejoice, for Christ has prepared an unfading crown in heaven for you. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 7

Wanting, blessed martyr, tormentor to bend you to his desire, without having the most severe torments, he commanded to bring a fierce horse and your holy nose to the mistake, tie him tightly, and drag him through all the streets of the city. But to you, the warrior of Christ, who was dragged along, you were a shame, an angel and a man, singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The wicked Kadiy, seeing you as a new zealot for his piety, conceived unusual thoughts for torment for you, more passionate than Christ: I drag you through your life quickly, parts of your body are torn off on stone, the head is left in contrition; The faithful who saw you embraced you with great regret. You, having a heart for God, prayed in secret; for this sake, we, your servants, in amazement, write this praiseworthy note to you: Rejoice, for you were the preacher of the Holy Trinity through your torment; Rejoice, for through your strong patience you were the foundation of good faith. Rejoice, for you were kindled with an indescribable fire of love for God; Rejoice, for for His sake you endured the fragmentation of your flesh. Rejoice, for thou art a shame of tenderness to the faithful; Rejoice, for thy head is dragged, for Christ's sake, broken upon the stone. Rejoice, for through your prayers the head of the invisible enemy has been erased; Rejoice, for the earth has been stained with your blood. Rejoice, for Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven has given you the crown of incorruption; Rejoice, for for His sake you suffered on earth. Rejoice, for you reign with Him in heaven; Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 8

The Jews saw a strange power of wickedness in you, the martyr of Christ, when you were dragging you along the streets with a fierce horse: you alone laughed at you, the friends grimaced their faces and had a hedgehog in their hands, metasha at you, but they laughed at you and were not like the deed. But you, valiant warrior of Christ, endured with gratitude, constantly singing to God who strengthens you: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

I have endured all your torment, blessed passion-bearer, and at the end of your life I have reached the end of your feat, one from the Jews mocking you, I flowed into my house, took my sword drawn and with it cut off your honorable and holy head and thus betrayed your bright soul in the hand of your desired Christ. Likewise, you hear this from us: Rejoice, for you received the mockery and reproach of Christ from the Jews for the sake of you; Rejoice, for you followed Jesus whom they reproached. Rejoice, for thou didst suffer from the Jews: Rejoice, for thou didst valiantly endure Christ for the sake of us sinners. Rejoice, for the cursed generation cut off your head with the sword; Rejoice, for Jesus has crowned your head with a radiant crown. Rejoice, for as a martyr you are glorified in the heavenly abodes; Rejoice, for we faithfully have you as an intercessor to God. Rejoice, for your prayers are pleasing to God; Rejoice, for your memory in the Church of Christ is honorable. Rejoice, for your name delights all who honor the Orthodox faith; Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 9

Having seen faithfully after the cutting off of your honorable head and the departure of your holy soul from the body, O glorious martyr, your flesh lying with your cut off head, unburied and despised, pitied; the night of a glorious miracle, a pillar up to heaven above your holy relics was quickly visible: candles of grief and men in white vestments cranking censers around your body, singing ineffable and sacred words, with them you also sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Vitias eloquently cannot sing, from the angels that were sung around your holy relics, blessed martyr; The only one from the Jews who heard this, thought of being on earth, was a man who strained his bow and shot an arrow, but this damned man succeeded in nothing, for everyone was a regretful sight. In the same way, we were amazed at the calico miracle, and we call to you: Rejoice, thou art worthy of the angelic singing of the funeral; Rejoice, for Christ looked down from heaven upon your holy relics. Rejoice, for a pillar of fire was seen reaching to heaven above your holy relics; Rejoice, for this is the terror of many. Rejoice, for this Jew was quickly punished by God’s vengeance; Rejoice, for this has been accomplished for the great glory of your holy relics. Rejoice, for people flocked to the shame of this Jew; Rejoice, for by confessing him before everyone you were saved from punishment. Rejoice, for when the tormentor learned about this miracle, he was greatly horrified; Rejoice, for for this reason I commanded the Christians to bury you. Rejoice, for the Church has accepted your buried, honorable body; Rejoice, for your holy soul dwells in the heavenly abodes. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 10

I want, long-suffering martyr of Christ, to your slanderer and traitor, to steal your honest and long-suffering body and bring it to your fatherland, but you, warrior of Christ, soon appeared to the priest of this church in a dream and told him about this, and he came to the church and honest Your relics were taken from your hands, singing with joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

When, martyr of Christ, your honorable and holy relics were saved from foreigners by God’s providence, you were placed in an altar near the holy meal, where the lamb of God is always devoured for our salvation, to whom you offered a living sacrifice; With faith, having realized this, we glorified the all-generous God, glorifying His saints, and with them we bring this praiseworthy song to you: Rejoice, for your holy relics have not been stolen and have remained unharmed; Rejoice, for the Gentile was put to shame and was driven away. Rejoice, for the priests of the church placed your honorable relics in the altar; Rejoice, for you have rejoiced in this faithfulness. Rejoice, for these miracles are continually being performed; Rejoice, for with them demons are driven out from many. Rejoice, for a pillar of fire appeared from heaven above them; Rejoice, for the Angels condescended to them. Rejoice, for the fragrance emanates from them in abundance; Rejoice, for all sorts of illnesses are healed by you. Rejoice, for the news of the miracles you have performed has spread everywhere; Rejoice, for to the end of the earth, God has been so pleased, your message has reached. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 11

There is no praiseworthy song, according to the heritage of praising the mighty beauty of the grace of miracles, even from your honorable and holy relics, most glorious martyr of Christ; Not only do people forgive me, but kings and princes honor and worship and kiss me with love. You, who have boldness towards God and the Master of all, ask us all in this life for bodily health, and affirmation in good morals, and in the future age of spiritual salvation, singing with love to God with you: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The light-receiving lamp is your honorable and holy relics, long-suffering martyr of Christ John, placed on the candlestick of the Church of Christ, illuminating for a long time the place where you suffered, even by the good will of God, but by the care of the pious ruler they were brought to Moldovalachia, they constantly shine for everyone, with faith and to those who resort to love, they pour out rays of miracles. We, who were once partakers of this grace, bring this to you: Rejoice, ray of unevening and mental light; Rejoice, for you have enlightened the whole of heaven. Rejoice, most bright day of the day without evening; Rejoice, for you were removed from us by the will of God. Rejoice, and in your journey the rays of Christ’s grace shone forth; Rejoice, for by God's grace you have come back to us. Rejoice, quietly, the fragrant Church of Christ: Rejoice, for you have made all those who come to your saints worthy of your heavenly fragrance. Rejoice, the vessel of the peace of Christ is inexhaustible and contains healing for countless diseases; Rejoice, to all who ask the giver of abundant blessings. Rejoice, for the grace and glory of the Heavenly King has been poured out on you; Rejoice, for you too have abundantly given the grace of healing from all illnesses to everyone. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 12

You have received grace from God, O all-validated and long-suffering martyr, to heal all kinds of illnesses and ailments of soul and body. Moreover, now standing before Christ, who strengthened you in your suffering, do not cease to intercede, asking all of us for bodily health and spiritual salvation, with reverence and love honoring your holy memory, singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

We sing, we honor, we glorify, we bless your much-painful suffering, for your valiant patience to the end has incomparably surpassed the rise and hardness of adamantium, which you showed in your body, for the heroic hero Christ the Lord glorified on earth and in heaven and gave you to us unworthy, holy victorious, Great Martyr of Christ John, crying out to you, most blessed, this: Rejoice, for you are in this place and dwell with the heavenly hosts; Rejoice, for you were escorted by the right hand of the King of Christ with glory and honor, you were gloriously crowned. Rejoice, for because of your many sufferings the Lord has accepted you into eternal rest; Rejoice, for you have acquired an inestimable treasure in heaven. Rejoice, for your reward is abundant in the glory of the saints; Rejoice, our warm representative in temptations and needs. Rejoice, most generous intercessor of joy and eternal glory for us; Rejoice, for through you we hope to receive eternal blessings. Rejoice, John, Great Martyr of Christ.

Kontakion 13

About the long-suffering holy great martyr and victorious of Christ, John, accept this prayer offered to you with tenderness from our vile lips and from all mental and physical ailments, from visible and invisible enemies, and from eternal torment with your favorable prayers deliver us, so that together with you in in the future, in the abodes of the saints, we sing to God: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1st and kontakion 1st

Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr John of Sochava

Holy, glorious and all-praised great martyr of Christ John, undoubted intercessor for our salvation. We pray to you, your servants, that today we gather in your Divine temple and the race of the holy relics of those who worship; Be merciful as we are, who are so far away and call for your help and your martyr's suffering with praises. Ask us all from the most merciful Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ for forgiveness and forgiveness of sins committed by us to this day and hour. Keep us unharmed from all the wiles of the evil one and keep our life unharmed from all evils of soul and body, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The prayer is different

O holy servant of God, John! Having fought a good fight on earth, you have received in Heaven the crown of righteousness, which the Lord has prepared for all who love Him. In the same way, looking at your holy image, we rejoice at the glorious end of your life and honor your holy memory. You, standing before the Throne of God, accept our prayers and bring them to the All-Merciful God, to forgive us every sin and help us against the wiles of the devil, so that, having been delivered from sorrows, illnesses, troubles and misfortunes and all evil, we will live piously and righteously in the present We will be worthy through your intercession, even though we are unworthy, to see good on the land of the living, glorifying the One in His saints, the glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Troparion to the Great Martyr John the New, Sochaevsky

Troparion

voice 4

Nurture the life of the earth kindly, the suffering, with alms and frequent prayers and tears, but having courageously rushed towards suffering, you denounced the Persian wickedness: in the same way, you were the affirmation of the Church and the praise of Christians, John of blessed memory.

Kontakion

voice 4

I bought the sea floating abyss, you strove from the east to the north, but I called you to God, like Matthew, the tollhouse, but you left me to buy, and you followed him with the blood of torment, redeeming the impassable with time, and you received an invincible crown.

Greatness

We magnify you, passion-bearing Saint John, and honor your honest suffering, which you endured for Christ.