Born in Italy in the mid-11th century, his mother was captured by the Saracens in Calabria and taken to Sicily. 

Not much more is known about John as a young man except that he had a deep faith and that he eventually escaped the Saracens and went back to Calabria where he joined the Benedictines, soon becoming known for his devotion, and miracles. 

At one point, severe weather threatened to ruin a critical harvest that would have brought an end to a period of near-famine. John got to work, helping in the fields, but also led the farmers in prayer, and the harvest was not only saved, it was abundant, keeping the local population from starvation. 

It was from this miracle he gained the name “Theristus” which means harvester. 

He died in 1129 and is a Saint in both the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Church. 

St. John Theristus, please pray for us.