John the Dwarf

Hosios Loukas (nave, vault over south-west bay) - John Kolobos

John the Dwarf was a Christian saint and a prominent figure among the Desert Fathers of Egypt in the 4th century. His life and teachings are commemorated in various texts, including the Sayings of the Desert Fathers. John the Dwarf is known for his humility, obedience, and the wisdom of his sayings, which have been influential in the development of Christian monasticism.

Life

John the Dwarf, also known as John Colobos (meaning "short" in Greek), was born around 339 in Basta in Lower Egypt. He moved to the desert of Scetis to pursue a monastic life at a young age. Under the guidance of Abba Pambo, John grew in spiritual wisdom and ascetic practice. His life was marked by extreme humility and a desire to emulate the life and passion of Jesus Christ.

John's most famous story illustrates his obedience and humility. When asked by his elder to plant a dry stick in the ground and water it daily, John did so without question, traveling long distances to fetch water. After three years, the stick miraculously blossomed, symbolizing the fruitfulness of obedience and perseverance in the spiritual life.

Teachings

John the Dwarf's teachings often focused on humility, the dangers of judging others, and the importance of inner peace and prayer. He is quoted as saying, "We have put the light burden on one side, that is to say, self-accusation, and we have loaded ourselves with a heavy one, that is to say, self-justification."

Another notable saying of his emphasizes the significance of the heart's purity: "A house that has a strong foundation will not be brought down by the rain."

Legacy

John the Dwarf is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on October 17th in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar and November 9th in the Roman Catholic Church.

His life and sayings have been a source of inspiration for many in the Christian monastic tradition, embodying the virtues of humility, obedience, and the pursuit of spiritual purity.

See Also

• Desert Fathers
• Monasticism
• Christian Mysticism
• Sayings of the Desert Fathers