John of Canopus

Holy Martyr John of Canopus, an unmercenary physician, suffered with Saint Cyrus in the city of Canopus, twelve stades from Alexandria, in the time of Diocletian's persecution (the year 303 or, by another dating, 311). The two are commemorated on 31 January.

Their relics were moved in the year 412 to the village of Manuphin, near Alexandria. The place was feared by everyone, because in former times there was a pagan temple there inhabited by evil spirits. Patriarch Theophilus (385-412) had wished to cleanse that place but died; his wish was fulfilled by his successor, Saint Cyril (412-444), who prayed fervently. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a vision and commanded him to move the relics of Saints Cyrus and John to Manuphin. The patriarch did so and built a church there in the name of the holy martyrs. From then on the place was purified and, through their prayers, many miracles and healings of illness began. The translation of the relics is celebrated on 28 June, by the old calendar.