John of Egypt

Saint John of Egypt, (c. 305 – 394), also known as John the Hermit, John the Anchorite, or John of Lycopolis, was one of the hermits and grazers of the Nitrian Desert. He began as a carpenter but at the age of twenty-five began to live a life of solitude.

Early life

John of Egypt was born in Lycopolis. His parents were poor and he trained as a carpenter. At the age of 25, he became a monk under the guidance of an elderly hermit. When the hermit died, John spent the next five years travelling and visiting monasteries.

Life as a hermit

According to hagiographer Alban Butler, John was noted for performing seemingly absurd acts such as rolling rocks from place to place and cultivating dead trees. Finally, he withdrew to the top of a cliff near Lycopolis, Egypt, where he could avoid all human contact. There he carved three small cells out of rock; one for sleeping, one for work and the last for praying. Then he walled them up with himself inside, leaving only a small window. He refused bread and never ate anything cooked.