Byzantine Saints: Venerable Joannicius the Great (4 November)

About this sermon

Discover the inspiring life of Venerable Joannicius the Great, one of the most revered monastic saints of the Orthodox Church, commemorated on November 4. Born in Bithynia in 752, Joannicius grew up in humble circumstances, tending cattle and learning to trust completely in God. His life’s journey took him from the Imperial Army of Emperor Leo IV to the solitude of the wilderness, where he dedicated decades to prayer, fasting, and the monastic struggle. St. Joannicius attained great spiritual gifts — prophecy, levitation during prayer, and even invisibility to protect others. He also freed captives, overcame demonic temptations, and performed miracles by God’s grace. Join us as we explore his holy life, miracles, and enduring legacy in Orthodox tradition. 🙏 “The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my protection.” – St. Joannicius the Great 0:00 – Introduction: Life and Commemoration of St. Joannicius 0:20 – Birth in Bithynia (752) and humble beginnings 0:54 – Drafted into the Imperial Army under Emperor Leo IV 1:16 – Military service and growing desire for solitude 1:30 – Turning to monastic life and obedience 1:46 – Learning the Psalms and retreat to the wilderness 2:05 – St. Joannicius’s prayer: “The Father is my hope…” 2:23 – Hiding in solitude and life on Mount Ctera 2:45 – Meeting St. George the Athetic 2:50 – Memorizing the Psalter and advancing in holiness 2:54 – Settling in Antidiev Monastery 3:00 – Miracles and spiritual gifts: prophecy, levitation, protection 3:18 – Deliverance of captives and divine protection from harm 3:34 – Overcoming temptation and demonic attacks 3:47 – Falling asleep in the Lord (846 AD) 3:59 – Legacy and veneration of St. Joannicius the Great https://www.oca.org/saints/lives #SaintJoannicius #OrthodoxSaints #VenerableJoannicius #LivesOfTheSaints #OrthodoxChristianity #EasternOrthodox #ChristianSaints #Faith #Prayer #Miracles #ByzantineSaints #HolyFathers #DesertFathers #SaintOfTheDay #OrthodoxFaith #ChristianLife #Monasticism #SpiritualWisdom #OrthodoxChurch #November4Saint 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴