SKU: 23217741017

St. John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria icon (1)

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St. John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria icon (1)Orthodox icon of Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria. Icon of 16 cent. Anapfsa Monastery, Meteora Greece. Commemorated November 12. Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. When the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in

Orthodox icon of Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria. Icon of 16 cent. Anapfsa Monastery, Meteora Greece.

Commemorated November 12.

Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. When the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in fasting and prayer, and had great love for those around him. His spiritual exploits won him honor among men, and even the emperor revered him. When the Patriarchal throne of Alexandria fell vacant, the emperor Heraclius and all the clergy begged St John to occupy the Patriarchal throne. The saint worthily assumed his archpastoral service, concerning himself with the moral and dogmatic welfare of his flock.

As patriarch he denounced every soul-destroying heresy, and drove out from Alexandria the Monophysite Phyllonos of Antioch. He considered his chief task to be charitable and to give help all those in need. At the beginning of his patriarchal service he ordered his stewards to compile a list of all the poor and downtrodden in Alexandria, which turned out to be over seven thousand men. The saint ordered that all of these unfortunates be provided for each day out of the church's treasury.

Twice during the week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, he emerged from the doors of the patriarchal cathedral, and sitting on the church portico, he received everyone in need. He settled quarrels, helped the wronged, and distributed alms. Three times a week he visited the sick-houses, and rendered assistance to the suffering. It was during this period that the emperor Heraclius led a tremendous army against the Persian emperor Chosroes II.

The Persians ravaged and burned Jerusalem, taking a multitude of captives. The holy Patriarch John gave a large portion of the church treasury for their ransom. The saint never refused suppliants. One day, when the saint was visiting the sick, he met a beggar and commanded that he be given six silver coins. The beggar changed his clothes, ran on ahead of the Patriarch, and again asked for alms. St John gave him six more silver coins.

When, however, the beggar sought charity a third time, and the servants began to chase the fellow away, the Patriarch ordered that he be given twelve pieces of silver, saying, Perhaps he is Christ putting me to the test. Twice the saint gave money to a merchant that had suffered shipwreck, and a third time gave him a ship belonging to the Patriarchate and filled with grain, with which the merchant had a successful journey and repaid his obligations.

St John the Merciful was known for his gentle attitude towards people. Once, the saint was compelled to excommunicate two clergymen for a certain time because of some offense. One of them repented, but the other fellow became angry with the Patriarch and fell into greater sins. The saint wanted to summon him and calm him with kind words, but it slipped his mind. When he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the saint was suddenly reminded by the words of the Gospel: if you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar ... first, be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Mt. 5:23-24).

The saint came out of the altar, called the offending clergyman to him, and falling down on his knees before him in front of all the people he asked forgiveness. The cleric, filled with remorse, repented of his sin, corrected himself, and afterwards was found worthy to be ordained to the priesthood. There was a time when a certain citizen insulted George, the Patriarch's nephew. George asked the saint to avenge the wrong. The saint promised to deal with the offender so that all of Alexandria would marvel at what he had done. This calmed George, and St John began to instruct him, speaking of the necessity for meekness and humility.

Then he summoned the man who insulted George. When St John learned that the man lived in a house owned by the church, he declared that he would excuse him from paying rent for an entire year. Alexandria indeed was amazed by such a revenge,and George learned from his uncle how to forgive offenses and to bear insults for God's sake. St John, a strict ascetic and man of prayer, was always mindful of his soul, and of death.

He ordered a coffin for himself, but told the craftsmen not to finish it. Instead, he would have them come each feast day and ask if it was time to finish the work. St John was persuaded to accompany the governor Nicetas on a visit to the emperor in Constantinople. While on his way to visit the earthly king, he dreamed of a resplendent man who said to him, The King of Kings summons you.He sailed to his native island of Cyprus, and died at Amanthos, the saint peacefully fell asleep in the Lord (616-620).

Reference: O.C.A.

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I
Verified Purchase
Ian McKee
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Revenge for a fallen emperor, redemption for a fallen warrior
Format: Kindle
The crimson empire saga is the story of kir kanos, last of emperor Palpatine's crimson clad imperial guardsmen. It is a story of revenge and redemption, as over the course of the trilogy Kanos grows and changes in ways he'd never have expected. I did especially like his changing relationship with Mirith Sinn, and how her arc is a fitting mirror to his own. I also liked the villain of the first series. Jax, and I wish he had stuck around for the rest of the trilogy. The rest of the villains throughout the trilogy are far less memorable than jax, but I suppose that's the problem when you make sequel to whats unseemly a self contained story. Of the three series contained here, the first series is by far the best. It's quite self contained, and any knowledge of the universe at the time is explained quite well. It's also the simplest, Kanos wants Jax dead, and Jax wants Kanos dead. The second series is abit of a mess, with an overly complicated plot and a good deal of unseemly wasted page count on the random side characters that don't advance anything. In particular I'm thinking of the hutt character, as well as the mystery hooded figure who doesn't actually come into play at any point in the saga. Perhaps he comes into play in some later star wars story, but in this it reeks of a dropped plot line. The third and final series is a worthy sequel to the first although the scenes with Han solo also seem unnecessary. I did like the ending of the saga, even though I would have referred a bit of a more definitive ending in terms of certain character relationships. The art of the saga get progressively better with each series. In the first series it's still reasonable good, but some of the faces and body proportions are bit weak. By the third it's really good if standard comic art. The fight scenes are well done throughout, and the ship battles are a great to see. In conclusion, I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good revenge story. Don't worry about the context of this in the greater star wars saga, the most pertinent information is explained well enough, in my opinion. As long you have seen the star wars movies and remember who the emperor is, your good.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2017
L
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Levi Turek
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
A must read
Format: Kindle
This series is a must read if you love Star Wars post Endor. The galaxy is still in a struggle to see who is on top. With many a individual falling through the cracks in galactic society.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2025
L
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L. W. Swint
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
One man's quest for vengeance
Format: Hardcover
"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." It is the time of a falling empire, a time of betrayal and vengeance. This is the story of the last of the mysterious Imperial Guards of the Emperor Palpatine. It is the story of his quest to seek justice for the galactic ruler he served, and for his fellow comrades in arms, who gave their lives in that service. "Star Wars: The Crimson Empire Saga," tells the tale of Kir Kanos, the sole survivor of the scarlet clothed guardians of the Emperor, first shown in "Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi." Over more than a decade of Dark Horse Comics publishing history, starting in 1997 to its long awaited conclusion in 2012, "Crimson Empire" reveals the history of these elite soldiers, "the best of the best," trained for one purpose: to serve the Emperor of "the first Galactic Empire." This 504 paged hardcover book collects the following stories: Star Wars: Crimson Empire #1-6 (1997) Star Wars: The Bounty Hunters (Kenix Kil) (1999) Star Wars: Crimson Empire II: Council of Blood #1-6 (1999) Star Wars: "Hard Currency" (Dark Horse Extra #21-24) (2000) Star Wars: Crimson Empire III: "The Third Time Pays for All" (Dark Horse Presents #1) (2011) (Note: The above is also the opening passage to Crimson Empire III #1) Star Wars: Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost #1-6 (2011) Star Wars Handbook Volume 2: Crimson Empire (1999) "The Crimson Empire Saga" begins with an ending; the final defeat of the Emperor Palpatine by his long-time foes, the Rebel Alliance, led by the legendary siblings, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa Solo. But unbeknownst to those fighting to free the galaxy from Palpatine's tyranny, treachery also played a role in the Emperor's downfall. In a stunning turn of events it is revealed that one of those thought to be most loyal to Palpatine, a member of the Imperial Guard itself, betrayed his master in an attempt to seize power for himself. To insure the success of his treason, Carnor Jax also ordered the assassination of all the surviving Imperial Guard. But in his arrogance, the traitor underestimated the skill of the warriors he had trained with. Though faced with the overwhelming force of an army of stormtroopers sent to eliminate them on their training world Yinchorr, one Imperial Guard survived the massacre. Kir Kanos, the last of Emperor Palpatine's Imperial Guard lived on, to seek vengeance on Carnor Jax, and all those who had betrayed his Emperor. The core "Crimson Empire" trilogy is the creation of writers Mike Richardson and Randy Stradley, and artist Paul Gulacy, and they have produced an exciting adventure of Star Wars action, intrigue and emotion. The first "Crimson Empire" 6 issue comic mini-series was published in 1997, in the early years of what came to be called the "Star Wars Expanded Universe." The "EU" is an ongoing showcase for the continuing "adventures of Luke Skywalker" in novels, comics, computer games and more, as well as for other characters and worlds from the movie and now television saga envisioned by George Lucas. But the Expanded Universe also highlights original ideas based on characters and situations created by Mr. Lucas. "Crimson Empire" represents a prime example of talented imaginations thinking, 'what if we told a story about the red cloaked guards seen in "Return of the Jedi?"' In Kir Kanos, Richardson, Stradley, and Gulacy have created a classic Star Wars anti-hero/hero. Along with such Expanded Universe creations as Grand Admiral Thrawn, Mara Jade, Quinlan Vos, and Asajj Ventress, he is one of the most intriguing characters in the Star Wars Universe. Kanos is a highly trained warrior with a steadfast moral code, whose quest for vengeance anchors "The Crimson Empire Saga." It is this focus on the lead character's ultimate goal that is one of the achievements of the series. This dramatic strength, when adhered to, allows the comic creators to truly delve into their original characters and concepts without having to include or depend on the more famous Star Wars heroes and villains, although some appear in supporting roles. It is a testament to the makers' storytelling abilities that as the reader follows this tale of Kir Kanos' road to revenge, one becomes sympathetic to the character's cause to avenge the death of one of the most evil men who ever lived in any galaxy! A special highlight of "Crimson Empire" is the artistry of Paul Gulacy. Mr. Gulacy has a distinctive style in the sequential art medium; a clean precise vision that combines traditional comic book panel progression with simulated photographic technique. For example, Mr. Gulacy rarely uses motion lines in his comic art, except to depict the movement of a lightsaber, or in the case of Kir Kanos' preferred weapon, the force pike, a doubled-bladed long staff. This style gives Mr. Gulacy's work a heightened sense of realism. In the first "Crimson Empire" mini-series, Mr. Gulacy is inked by P. Craig Russell. In "Crimson Empire II: Council of Blood," he is embellished by Randy Emberlin. "Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost" saves the best for last as Mr. Gulacy produced full pencil and ink artwork for the third mini-series. He was always his best inker. This "Crimson Empire" collection also offers the reader the opportunity to see the evolution and advancement of comic coloring from 1997 through to 2012, the year of this special compendium's release. Dave Stewart created the color art for Mr. Gulacy's pencil work on the first two installments of the prime comic trilogy and the results display a marked improvement over the flat colors long produced in comics of the past. But with "Crimson Empire III," the most recent part of the saga, the color rendering of Michael Bartolo shows an even more nuanced use of tone and hue over Mr. Gulacy's art. Thanks in no small part to the computer age, comic coloring has come a long way from the days of newsprint. Another highlight of "The Crimson Empire Saga" is the inclusion of two addition stories within the thick hardcover. "How the Mighty have Fallen" is a tale written by Randy Stradley, and illustrated by Javier Saltares and Christopher Ivy. Published in 1999 as part of the Star Wars: The Bounty Hunters comic series, it relates how Kir Kanos created the secret bounty hunter identity Kenix Kil,to better hide from members of the fallen Galactic Empire that were hunting for him across the stars. The second adventure, the short story, "Hard Currency," was published in Dark Horse Extra, a newspaper-like fanzine released from 1998-2002, and features Kenix Kil teaching an enemy the cost of betrayal. It was scripted by Mr. Stradley, and drawn by Isaac Buckminster Owens. There is a great deal to enjoy in this "Crimson Empire" collection but it is not without flaws. While the premiere "Crimson Empire" mini-series succeeds in being an enthralling adventure on every level, "Crimson Empire II: Council of Blood" sometimes suffers from a story that concentrates too much on subterfuge and political power-plays; so much so that the series' starring character, Kir Kanos, seems rather to be a supporting player in his own story. The long-awaited third part in the "Crimson Empire" trilogy, "Empire Lost," improves on the faults of its predecessor but still has a sometimes convoluted plotline. Another flaw in the multi-part saga is the character arc of Mirith Sinn, the brave and beautiful Rebel Alliance commander who plays a major part in most of Kir Kanos' exploits. The series writers, Mr. Richardson and Mr. Stradley, showcase the evolution of the relationship between these two driven individuals, a relationship that has an undeniable chemistry. Mirith and Kir Kanos share a bond, a bond that is complicated by violent loss. But the complexities of their relationship are sometimes handled in conflicting ways from story to story, resulting in confusion for the reader in understanding the otherwise strong character of Mirith Sinn. Still another flaw in this collection is the editorial decision not to include all the striking covers painted by artist Dave Dorman for the 18 individual comics in the "Crimson Empire" trilogy of mini-series. While it is gratifying to see 6 of Mr. Dorman's contributions to the saga, notably his special wrap-around cover painting to the first "Crimson Empire" trade paperback reprint volume, as well as the "Crimson Empire Handbook" cover, this reviewer regrets the omission of the artist's 13 other paintings. Nor was the sole "variant" cover to "Crimson Empire III" number 1, drawn by Mr. Gulacy included, and it was the only cover he created for the entire series. It is doubly disappointing when the collection showcases Mr. Dorman's cover to that same comic issue twice in the book! This reviewer would have also been appreciative of a written introduction or history of the creation of the "Crimson Empire" series; and a feature that explained the long wait of 13 years before the concluding chapter in the trilogy was finally released for fans of the saga to enjoy. These editorial choices could have then given this hardcover collection the more appropriate title, "The Complete Crimson Empire Saga." Despite the above shortcomings, this is a very special Star Wars comic collection. From one Star Wars fan to any who read this review, I highly recommend you put on some of John Williams' immortal Star Wars music, sit back, open this hardcover and let yourself be taken away to that "galaxy far, far away" we love so much!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2012
J
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Jonathan Miller
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
One of the best Star Wars comic series of all time.
Format: Kindle
Crimson Empire was the first Star Wars comic that I read. Stories like these are what kept Star Wars alive and fresh during the nearly 20 years between films. I love the stories about those minor characters that you see in the films. When you saw the Crimson Guard with the Emperor for the first time, you knew there was something fascinating about these guardians of the most powerful being in the universe. This story delves into some of those characters. The art is fantastic, sort of that stylized 90's colorful art. Awesome battle scenes. It really captures the imagination. Great story, give it a try. I highly recommend getting a paper copy of this trade.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2015
S
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steven
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Top Notch!
Format: Hardcover
A lot of the time when your reading SW books your imagination doesn't quite fill in the gaps that the author leaves. A lot of SW books have little to no detail because they are movie or game based. This is where the top notch illiustrations took this story line to a whole new level! Richardson does a great job on developping the main character. I was very impressed with the quality of the story and blown away with the illustrations. Great read for all!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2013

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