[2] On the death of the Patriarch Theodore, the Alexandrians besought Emperor Phocas to appoint John his successor, which was accordingly done.

The ministry of Vitalis of Gaza, a monk who worked among the prostitutes of the city, was a noteworthy episode of John's reign.

[4] In his youth John had had a vision of a beautiful maiden with a garland of olives on her head, who said that she was Compassion, the eldest daughter of the Great King.

This had evidently made a deep impression on John's mind, and, now that he had the opportunity of exercising benevolence on a large scale, he soon became widely known all over the East for his liberality towards the poor.

[5] Another person, who was not really in need, applied for alms and was detected by the officers of the palace; but John merely said "Give unto him; he may be Our Lord in disguise."

A rich man presented him with a magnificent bed covering; he accepted it for one night, but then sold it, and disposed of the money in alms.

"[6] Another instance of his piety was that he caused his own grave to be dug, but only partly so, and appointed a servant to come before him on all state occasions and say "My Lord, your tomb is unfinished; pray give orders for its completion, for you know not the hour when death may seize you."

When the Sassanids sacked Jerusalem in 614, John sent large supplies of food, wine, and money to the fleeing Christians.

But eventually the Persians occupied Alexandria, and John himself in his old age was forced to flee to his native country, where he died.