Saint John Calabytes
- Also known as
-
John Calabites;
John Calibita;
John Kalabytes;
John the Hut-Dweller
- Memorial
- 15 January
- Profile
- Born wealthy.
Ran away from home as a child, and became a monk at Gomon on the Bosphorus at age 12.
When he finally returned home as a beggar at age 18, his family did not recognize him.
However, the did recognized that he was a holy man, and the family allowed him to live as a hermit in a small hut (a calybe in Greek) near their front door.
Only on his death were they were informed of his real identity.
His story has led to his being a symbol of homelessness, and how we may not recognize the humanity in the poor and homeless in our midst.
- Born
- at Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey)
- Died
- c.450 of natural causes
- Name Meaning
- God is gracious; gift of God (John); small hut (calybe)
- Representation
- beggar with a Gospel in his hand;
beggar revealing his identity to his parents on his death bed
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