Joannicus of Olympus Joannicus of Mount Olympus
4 November formerly 4 February
A friend who had become a monk led him to the faith. At age 40, Joannicus retired from the military and the world, becoming a hermit on Mount Olympus, Bithynia. He developed a reputation for holiness, and had to move several times to escape would-be spiritual students. Monk at Eraste.
A one-time supporter of iconoclasm, he fought it and defended orthodox teachings in the iconoclast movement of 818. Tried to be a peacemaker, arguing that the orthodox should try to understand and reunite with iconoclast priests.
Advisor to Saint Theodora the Studite and Saint Methodius of Constantinople. Prophet and miracle worker. His prophesied the restoration of images to churches, a prophesy fulfilled by Theodora, wife of emporer Theophilus. Friend of Saint Peter of Atroa; at the time of Saint Peter's death, he had a vision of Peter being lifted up a mountain into heaven. Highly venerated by the Greeks.