Who can tell thy mighty works, O virgin saint?

For thou pourest forth miracles, and art a source of healings, and thou dost intercede for our souls, as the Theologian and the friend of Christ.

Kontakion (2nd tone)

The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian

He was called Theologian because he loftily expounded in his Gospel the theology of the inexpressible and eternal birth of the Son and Word of God the Father. It is for this cause that an eagle – a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as St Irenaeus says – is depicted on his icon, for this was one of the four symbolic living creatures that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezekiel 1:10).

He was fifty-six when he left Jerusalem to preach the Gospel, which he did for nine years until his exile. He spent fifteen years on Patmos and lived another twenty-six years after his return to Ephesus.

Beloved Apostle of Christ our God, hasten to deliver a people without defence.
He who permitted you to recline upon His bosom, accepts you on bended knee before Him.
Beseech Him, O Theologian, to dispel the persistent cloud of nations, asking for us peace and great mercy.

Apolytikion (2nd tone)