Saint John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria, was born on Cyprus in the seventh century into the family of the illustrious dignitary Epiphanius. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage and had children. When the wife and the children of the saint died, he became a monk. He was zealous in fasting and prayer, and had great love for those around him.…click: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2023/11/12/103286-saint-john-the-merciful-patriarch-of-alexandr