John of Zichna

Saint John of Zichna (sometimes called Joachim) lived in the time of the emperors Andronikos II Palaiologos (1282-1328) and Andronikos III (1328-1341). Orphaned at the age of two, he was raised by a monk uncle named Ioannikios according to the commandments of the Gospel. When he came of age he became a priest, and for his great virtue he was chosen bishop of Zichna in Macedonia.

After his uncle died, he left the episcopal throne and withdrew to the Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner near Mount Menoikion, north-⁠east of Serres. He enlarged the monastery and built a great church there in honour of the Baptist. He fell asleep in peace on 12 December 1333, and his relics rest at this monastery.

He is remembered on 12 December, by the calendar of the Church of Greece (new style).