E03325: Palladius of Helenopolis in his Lausiac History recounts his meeting with *Ioannes/John of Lykopolis (ascetic of Egypt, ob. 394, S00102) at Lykopolis (Upper Egypt), who had the charisma of prophecy and was visited by many seeking his advice and blessing. Written in Greek at Aspuna or Ankyra (both Galatia, central Asia Minor), 419/420.

Palladius of Helenopolis, Lausiac History (BHG 1435-1438v; CPG 6036), 35

Summary:

Ioannes of Lykopolis was a former carpenter and brother of a dyer, who became a monk at the age of twenty-five. He became a hermit on the mountain of Lykopolis. He had the charisma of prophecy, and corresponded with the emperor Theodosius I, predicting his victories over the usurpers Maximus and Eugenius. When Palladios visited him, he found the vestibule of his cell (proeisodikon), where visitors sat waiting, closed. Later they build a larger one, with a capacity of one hundred men. At their meeting, Ioannes appeared to know Palladios’ temptations and thoughts, told him about his father and siblings, and predicted that he would experience hardships in his life. He predicted Palladios' episcopal ordination and troubles, which he would only avoid by staying in the desert. Indeed three years later Palladios fell ill and moved to Alexandria, then Palestine, and finally to Bithynia where he was associated with John Chrysostom and became bishop. Ioannes also met the pious lady Poimenia and revealed to her troubles she would encounter, if she called at Alexandria with her boats. The prophecy came true.

Text: Bartelink et al. 1974. Summary: E. Rizos.