THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE AND THEOLOGIAN (SEPT. 26TH)

St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

Introduction 

St. John the Evangelist, one of the Twelve Apostles and the beloved disciple of Christ, stands as one of the most prominent figures in the early Church, deeply revered in both Eastern and Western Christianity. His life and writings have shaped the foundations of Christian theology and mysticism, earning him the titles Theologian and Evangelist. 

Early Life and Apostolic Calling

John, the son of Zebedee and Salome, was a Galilean fisherman by trade, alongside his brother James, who would later be known as James the Greater. John was first a disciple of St. John the Baptist but left him to follow Jesus, becoming one of His earliest and closest followers. It was John, along with Peter and James, who was privileged to witness Christ's most intimate moments—His Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

John's deep affection and faithfulness to Christ were highlighted at the foot of the Cross, where he alone of the Apostles remained with the Virgin Mary. In that sacred moment, Christ entrusted His mother to John's care, saying, “Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27). John took this responsibility with great devotion, honoring the Theotokos until her Dormition.

The Evangelist and Theologian

St. John’s contributions to the record of the Holy Gospel are unmatched in their theological depth and mystical insight. His Gospel, distinct from the Synoptics, opens not with a genealogy or a narrative of Christ’s birth, but with a cosmic vision: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). His portrayal of Christ as the Logos—God incarnate, the Light of the World—shapes Christian understanding of the mystery of the Incarnation. John's Gospel emphasizes Christ's divine nature, His unity with the Father, and His role as the source of eternal life.

St. John also authored three epistles, written with great pastoral care and love, urging believers to live in the light of Christ and to abide in His love. The First Epistle of John famously declares, "God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16). These letters stress the importance of love, fellowship, and truth within the Christian community.

The Book of Revelation and the Apocalypse

Perhaps the most mysterious and awe-inspiring of John's writings is the “Book of Revelation” (Apocalypse), penned during his exile on the island of Patmos under the persecution of Emperor Domitian. The Revelation, filled with vivid imagery and symbolic visions, offers a prophetic unveiling of the end times—the ultimate triumph of Christ over the forces of evil, the final judgment, and the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth. This book, rich in eschatological themes, has been the source of much contemplation and interpretation throughout Church history. It speaks of the coming of the Lamb who was slain, the defeat of the Dragon, and the eternal reign of Christ in the New Jerusalem.

Revelation, with its complex symbolism, points to a reality beyond this world and invites believers to live in the hope of Christ’s second coming. The words of St. John at the close of Revelation, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20), echo through the ages as a prayer of expectation and longing for the fulfillment of all things in Christ.

Veneration and Symbolism

From the earliest days of the Church, St. John has been venerated as the "Apostle of Love" and the "Theologian" due to his profound grasp of divine mysteries. His feast is celebrated on May 8th and September 26th in the Eastern Church, commemorating his life, death, and contributions to the faith. In Christian iconography, St. John is typically depicted as a youthful man, sometimes with an eagle, symbolizing the soaring heights of his theology and his vision of divine mysteries. The eagle, with its ability to gaze directly into the sun, reflects John’s ability to perceive the glory of God and the divine nature of Christ.

Legacy and Death

Tradition holds that St. John lived to an old age, the only Apostle to die of natural causes. His final years were spent in Ephesus, where he ministered to the local Christian communities. According to the account of his death, when it became apparent that his time had come, he instructed his followers to dig a grave for him, where he lay down and was buried. His tomb in Ephesus became a site of pilgrimage, and it is said that each year on the anniversary of his death, dust would rise from his grave, believed to have miraculous healing properties.

Hymnography

The Eastern Orthodox Church honors St. John the Evangelist with rich hymnography, capturing the love, wisdom, and theological brilliance of the beloved disciple. The Apolytikion and Kontakion sung on his feast days reflect his closeness to Christ and his role as a witness to divine truths.

Apolytikion (Tone 2):

O Apostle, speaker of divinity,

the beloved of Christ God,

hasten to deliver thy people powerless in argument;

for He on whose bosom thou dost lean

accepteth thee as an intercessor.

Beseech Him, therefore, to disperse the cloud of the stubborn nations,

asking for us safety and the Great Mercy.

Kontakion (Tone 2):

Who can tell thy mighty works, O virgin apostle?

Thou didst pour forth wonders and art a source of healings,

and thou prayest for our souls,

as theologian and friend of Christ.

Summary 

St. John the Evangelist remains a guiding light in the Church, calling Christians to embrace the love of God and the mystery of the Incarnation, and to live in the hope of the final victory of Christ over all darkness. Through his writings and his witness, he leads us to a deeper understanding of the Word made flesh and the eternal life offered to all who believe. May Christ Jesus hear the prayers of His friend and Apostle before His Throne in Heaven! Blessed Feast!