In the heart of North Evia, in the village of Nea Prokopi, lies the incorrupt relic of Saint John the Russian, one of the most beloved modern saints of the Orthodox Church. His life of humility, obedience, and faith continues to inspire pilgrims from around the world.
Saint John was born around 1690 in Little Russia. During the Russo-Turkish War (1710–1711) he was captured and sold as a slave to a Turkish officer in Prokopi, Cappadocia. While many of his fellow captives converted to Islam, he firmly confessed: “I was born a Christian and I wish to die a Christian.”
He lived in a stable, serving his master with humility and love, praying day and night. His deep faith and self-denial made him a living example of Christ-like service and patience.
When his master went on pilgrimage to Mecca, Saint John miraculously sent him a dish of food — still warm — through prayer alone. When the master returned holding the same dish, all realized that John was truly a man of God.
Saint John fell asleep in the Lord on May 27, 1730. His body was found incorrupt three years later, exuding a sweet fragrance. His relic became a source of countless healings and miracles, revered by both Christians and Muslims in Cappadocia.
After the Asia Minor Catastrophe in 1922, refugees brought his sacred relic to Greece. In 1924, it arrived in Nea Prokopi, Evia, where it remains today in a silver reliquary inside a magnificent church dedicated to the saint.
Thousands of faithful visit the shrine daily to venerate his relics and seek his intercession. Saint John is known across the Orthodox world — even among Muslims — as “Kule Yuvan,” the captive who became a saint. His right hand is kept at the Russian Monastery of St. Panteleimon on Mount Athos.
His feast is celebrated on May 27 with a grand procession in Nea Prokopi. Pilgrims from all over Greece walk to the church to honor him, while another major celebration takes place in September, marking the church’s consecration anniversary.
Visiting Saint John the Russian is not only a spiritual experience but a journey into faith and history — a sacred encounter at the heart of North Evia.
