THE HOLY PRINCE JOHN

May 19

From the Prologue

John was a miracle-worker, god-fearing and virtuous from his youth. He was cast into prison by his uncle, Prince John [Ivan] Vasilevitch, along with his brother Dimitri where they remained for thirty-two years. Before his death, John was tonsured a monk and received the name Ignatius.

HYMN OF PRAISE

THE SAINTLY PRINCES IVAN [JOHN] AND DIMITRI OF VOLOGDA

In the dark dungeon, Prince Ivan languishes

With his brother Dimitri, and his brother he counsels:

O brother, sorrow not; with sorrow, yourself do not weary,

A dungeon is to the faithful, what a royal court is,

Nor, about our uncle, speak ill,

That, without fault, into dungeon he cast us.

Without God's will, is it possible that it could be

In the darkness to enslave two of God's creatures?

If only about himself, our uncle cares,

About us, to save our souls, God cares.

The unreasonable, only his benefit seeks,

Even the despised, God eases with gifts.

Of the dungeon, the merciful God is not afraid -

Prefers to be with captives, than with the proud to stand.

Do not be angry my brother, uncle, do not reproach,

Between us, only God the truth knows.

The uncle by one path, and us with another path saves.

Worship God, to God be glory!