John of Alexandria

Who they were

Cyrus and John were martyrs honoured especially in the Coptic Church and called the wonder-working physicians who took no fee, because they healed the sick for nothing. Cyrus was a physician of Alexandria who also won many from paganism; denounced under Diocletian, he fled and became a monk. John, an officer of high rank in the army, heard of him, came to Egypt and joined him in the ascetic life.

When a mother, Athanasia, and her three young daughters were arrested for the faith and brought to Alexandria, Cyrus and John went into the city to strengthen them. They too were seized, and after cruel tortures all were beheaded on 31 January, their feast day. In 414 St. Cyril of Alexandria moved their relics to Menuthis near Canopus, and later relics were brought to Rome, where several churches were dedicated to them.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: he has been honoured as a saint since before the Church's formal processes began.

Why that counted as sanctity

A soldier who left the army for the ascetic life and died a martyr with his companion Cyrus.

Connected on this site

• Cyrus of Alexandria Saint Influenced them
• Cyril of Alexandria Saint
  “Cyril of Alexandria moved their relics to Menuthis near Canopus, and later relics were brought to Rome, where several churches were dedicated to them.” — this site's research