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St. John the Dwarf


Greek IOANNES KOLOBOS
IV/V Centuries
Born in Lower Egypt c. 339, John Kolobos (the Dwarf) was a young man when he entered a monastery at Sketis. He is said to have been a disciple of St. Poemen and of St. Ammoes. He is described as being by nature ill-tempered and conceited and as having become by grace gentle and humble. John believed that a monk is perfected by remaining ever-vigilant in his cell. A solitary, John dug an underground cave to preserve his way of life. In spite of his precautions, he was ordained. When the Berbers raided Sketis c. 405, John went to Suez. He died on the mountain of St. Anthony. John's wisdom is included in compilations of the sayings of the Desert Fathers.

Karen Rae Keck

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