St. John the Old Caves

The ascetic of the VIII century was identified with an ancient cave: the history of the nickname Old Cave

The Jerusalem tradition has preserved the details of the life of St. John, whose monastic nickname is directly related to the unique topographical site of Palestine. The saint, who bore obedience in the eighth century, remained in the church annals as an Old Cave.

The origins of this name refer to the Suki Lavra, founded by Chariton the Confessor. The monastery, located in the desert area between Bethlehem and the coast of the Dead Sea, received the status of “Old”, that is, Ancient. It is considered the first among all Palestinian monasteries.

The key detail of the landscape of the Lavra was the cave, which served as the first temple. It was there, having left the worldly life in his youth and having made a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Jerusalem, that John settled. The fact of living in the oldest cave secured him a characteristic nickname that distinguished him from other inhabitants.

Hagiographical information depicts the image of a strict ascetic who imitated the early Christian fasteners. The killing of the flesh by vigil and the incessant thought of the hour of death became the basis of his spiritual ascent. Having reached the rank of presbyter, he celebrated the Liturgy in the same cave space where he completed his earthly path in old age. The memory of the saint is celebrated on the same day with the founder of the Lavra.