Early Life
How old was Abba John when he began his monastic life?
18 years old.
How many days did John remain outside Abba Ammoes’ door when he was sent away?
7 days.
What did Abba Ammoes give John and tell him to water?
A dry branch.
How long did John serve Abba Ammoes while he was sick, without complaining?
12 years
Which two saints were sent to comfort John near the end of his life?
Abba Macarius the Great and Abba Anthony.
Who was the elder John approached to guide him in the wilderness?
Abba Ammoes.
What did Abba Ammoes strike John with each day during his test?
A reed.
How far did John travel to get water and then return home each day?
Twelve miles each way, for a total of 24 miles.
What position was John appointed to after years of obedience?
Hegumen over the church.
What surrounded John’s soul when his servant returned?
A congregation of saints and angels singing before him.
What is the town in Upper Egypt where St. John the Short was born?
What respectful act did John continue offering Abba Ammoes during his test?
A metania
How many years did John water the dry branch?
3 years.
During his ordination, while the patriarch was laying his hands upon John's head, what did the voice say from heaven?
"Worthy, worthy, worthy"
What did the servant do after witnessing what happened to John?
He hurried into the city to tell the townspeople.
What difficult practices did Abba Ammoes describe about life in the wilderness?
Working with their hands, sleeping on the ground, fasting, and praying.
What did Abba Ammoes do after seeing the vision?
He took John back to live with him in mutual honor and reverence.
What happened to the branch after three years?
It grew and became a fruit-bearing tree.
What was Abba John able to perceive after being ordained?
Who was worthy of receiving communion and who was not worthy.
When the servant asked, "Who is that one in front who shines like the sun?" What was the angel's response?
"That is St. Anthony, father of all monks."
What happened after Abba Ammoes prayed for guidance about accepting John?
An angel appeared and told him to accept John because he had been chosen.
On the seventh day, what did Abba Ammoes see in his vision?
Seven angels holding seven crowns intended for John.
Who picked some of the fruit from the tree and took it to other elders, and what did he tell them?
Abba Ammoes saying "take, eat from the fruit of obedience."
What did Abba Ammoes say on his deathbed to the elders about Abba John?
Take care of this one, for he is an angel and not human.
What did the monks do with John’s body, and what was his soul left free to do?
The monks buried John the Short, leaving his soul free to receive all who seek his aid.