John was born on January 8, 454, in Nicopolis, Armenia. His
parents, Euphemia and Encratius, were good Catholics who came
from a long line of government dignitaries. They brought John up
in the faith and made sure he received a good Christian
education. After the death of his parents, John received a large
inheritance, which he shared with other relatives. With part of
his share, he built a church dedicated to the Blessed Mother as
well a monastery. He and ten other friends then began living
their lives as monks, practicing self-denial and mortification.
In 481, he was asked to leave his monastic life and become
Bishop of Colonia. This was difficult for John. He was very
humble, felt unworthy, and preferred his life as a monk. John
still followed monastic life as much as possible in his new
position. He prayed fervently and constantly for discernment,
wanting only God’s will. According to his biographer, one night
while in prayer he had a vision of a bright cross in mid-air. He
then heard a voice, which said,