John the Hermit of Trestieni

John was a hermit of Russian origin at Trestieni Skete in Buzău, a disciple of Saint Basil of Poiana Mărului, around the year 1760. He is named in the Romanian Paterikon and venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization; the sources available to us give no day of commemoration.

The Paterikon says he came from Russia and struggled at Trestieni in great labours. One more thing is recalled of him: many times he set the table for all the brothers of the skete, from his own labour. Before the meal he went to each father in his cell with a vessel of water, washed his feet skilfully and kissed them with love, like another Abraham.

Together with the other hermits of Dălhăuți, Trestieni and Cârnu, he remained many years under the guidance of Saint Basil of Poiana Mărului, whom the Paterikon describes as a great teacher of unceasing prayer. The information about him is preserved from the autobiography of Saint Paisius of Neamț. John fell asleep in peace, pleasing to God.