Saint John “Scholasticus”, Patriarch of Constantinople

Saint John Scholasticus, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Sirimion near Antioch, and studied law. He was ordained a priest because of his great holiness and piety. Later he was elevated to the patriarchal throne, where he spent the years 565 to 577.

While still a presbyter, he compiled a collection of Church Rules in Fifty Chapters, and later during his time as patriarch he made a Codex of civil laws relating to the Church. From these collections was compiled the Nomocanon (i.e. “Law-canon”), used in church administration. Saint John also composed the “Cherubic Hymn”, and “Of Thy Mystical Supper.”