☦ Eastern Roman ☧

🔸 November 4 - Saint John Vatatzes the Merciful Emperor 👑 🔸 Yesterday we commemorated the Holy Emperor Saint John Vatatzes the Merciful. The Emperor of Nicaea from 1221 to 1254, he was a chief architect of the restored Roman Empire, and is remembered as one of the greatest and most pious Eastern emperors. The Christ-loving Emperor John was born in Didymoteicho in Thrace in 1192. His grandfather Constantine was a military commander under Manuel Komnenos (1143–1180). When John’s parents died, he inherited a great amount of wealth, most of which he distributed to the poor and to churches. He then went to Nicaea which had become the emperor’s new imperial seat in exile following the fall of Constantinople to the Latins in 1204. There he found his uncle, a clergyman of the priesthood, near Emperor Theodore Laskaris (1204–1221). Through his uncle, John became friends with the emperor. He was not prideful due to this friendship however, but always remained humble, meek, approachable to all, gentle in speech and countenance. After the Emperor Theodore died, the gracious John came to rule as emperor in 1221. A fervent protector of all those who were unjustly treated, and showing measure in justice, he came to be called “Merciful”. St John worked to restore the Empire which had been decimated by the Latin Crusaders. He gradually brought Thessalonica, Epirus, and Bulgaria back under Byzantine control, strengthened the military and economy, maintained diplomacy with neighbors, and laid the groundwork for the eventual recapture of Constantinople from the Latins in 1261. He was also renowned for his piety and zeal for the Orthodox faith. He encouraged the baptism of Jews, and sought unity between the Eastern and Western Churches. Dialogue at this time between Pope Gregory IX and Patriarch Germanos II might have succeeded, if only the Latins had been willing to retract the addition of the Filioque from the Creed. St John reposed peacefully in 1254 at age 72. His body was laid in the Monastery of Christ the Savior which he founded. Later, through divine revelation, his holy relics were transferred to Magnesia where a sweet fragrance came forth from his tomb.