Hello, and welcome to St. St. Stories for Kids!

A podcast full of fun stories and facts about the holy men and women that have come before us.

I'm your host, Shantal Baros.

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Today we'll be telling the story of St. John the Merciful,

whose feast is celebrated on January 23rd.

He is also known as St. John the Almoner, a term used to reference his generosity to the poor.

John was born on the island now known as Cyprus around the year 552.

Not much is known about his early life.

He was born to a noble family, grew up, got married, and had his own family.

Sadly, his wife and children died, and it was at that point that he entered religious life.

The people of Alexandria noticed St. John's holiness and his incredible devotion to caring

for the poor, and asked the emperor of Fulcasse to appoint John to the position of patriarch of

Alexandria, which is like the Archbishop. As the patriarch, St. John made a special point of

caring for the poor in needy. He took measures to end the practice of Simony, and thought education

was the key to fighting heresy. During his lifetime, he increased the number of churches in

Alexandria from 7 to 70. Now it's time for our story.

St. John rubbed his brow as he listened to his friend venting his anger.

...