John IV of Constantinople facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John the Faster
Born	Constantinople
Died	September 2, 595 Constantinople
Venerated in	Eastern Orthodoxy
Feast	September 2

John IV (died September 2, 595) was an important leader in the early Christian church. He was the 33rd Patriarch of Constantinople from 582 to 595. He is also known as John the Faster because of his very strict and simple way of life. He was the first church leader to use the special title Ecumenical Patriarch. The Eastern Orthodox Church honors him as a saint and celebrates his feast day on September 2.

Early Life and Church Role

John IV was born in Constantinople, a major city at the time. His parents were artisans, and he even worked as a goldsmith for a while. He was known for living a very simple and disciplined life. This is why people called him "the Faster."

John became a deacon at the famous Hagia Sophia church. Later, he became a "sakellarios," which was a church official who helped manage monasteries. He grew to be a very important person among the clergy in Constantinople. When the previous patriarch, Eutychius I, passed away, Emperor Tiberius II chose John to become the new patriarch.

A Leader for His People

John IV was well-liked by Emperor Maurice, who ruled after Tiberius II. John was known for his simple lifestyle and for being very kind to the poor. He always tried to help those in need.

One story tells that a horse show was planned on the day before a big church holiday called Pentecost. Patriarch John was worried that people would choose entertainment over their religious duties. He prayed very hard, and a huge thunderstorm with rain and hail suddenly appeared. Everyone got scared and left the show, realizing it was not the right time for such fun.

The Title of "Ecumenical Patriarch"

Around 587 or 588, John IV called together bishops from the East. He did this using the title "the Ecumenical Patriarch." This title meant "universal" or "worldwide" patriarch. He was the first to use this title, which caused some disagreements with the Pope in Rome.

The Pope at the time, Pope Pelagius II, did not agree with John using this title. Later, when Pope Gregory I became Pope in 590, he also had concerns. Pope Gregory I had known John IV before and they were initially friendly. However, the use of the "Ecumenical Patriarch" title remained a point of disagreement between the churches in Constantinople and Rome.

Writings and Teachings

John IV wrote several important works that are still studied today. These writings often focused on topics like:

• How to confess sins and receive forgiveness.
• Guidance for priests on how to listen to confessions.
• Sermons about living a good life, including ideas about self-control and purity.
• Warnings against false teachers and wrong ideas.

Many of his works were printed and shared throughout the Middle Ages. They helped guide people in their faith and showed John's deep understanding of Christian teachings.