John of Gothia
Crimean Gothic Greek Orthodox Metropolitan bishop of Doros, and rebel leader
About John of Gothia
John of Gothia was a Byzantine eastern Orthodox priest.
John of Gothia (; died 791 AD) was a Crimean Gothic metropolitan bishop of Doros, and rebel leader who overthrew and briefly expelled the Khazars from Gothia in 787. He was canonized as an Eastern Orthodox saint.
John of Gothia was born to a Crimean Gothic family, the son of Leon and Fotina, in Partenit, Crimea, where he grew up to become a bishop. John went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and stayed there for three years. From there he became a bishop in Georgia in 758 until he returned to Gothia and became metropolitan bishop of Doros.
In 787 John led a revolt against Khazar domination of Gothia. The Khazar garrison and Tudun were expelled from Doros, and the rebels seized the mountain passes leading into the country. The Khazars however managed to retake the city in less than a year, and John was imprisoned in Phoulloi. He later managed to escape and sought refuge in Amastris in the Byzantine Empire, where he died in 791. His remains were brought home to a church on the Ayu-Dag mountain, Partenit, Crimea, where a memorial to him has been built. John was canonized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church. His memorial day is 26 June.
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Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was John of Gothia?
Crimean Gothic Greek Orthodox Metropolitan bishop of Doros, and rebel leader
When was John of Gothia born?
John of Gothia was born in Partenit.
When did John of Gothia die?
John of Gothia died in 791 in Amasra.
What was John of Gothia's occupation?
John of Gothia was an eastern Orthodox priest.
What nationality was John of Gothia?
John of Gothia was Byzantine.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John of Gothia. https://biography.guide/john-of-gothia/
MLA: "John of Gothia." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-of-gothia/.
Chicago: "John of Gothia." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-of-gothia/.
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