John the Russian was born in Russia, of pious Orthodox parents, around 1690. He served as a soldier in the war against the Ottoman Empire in the year 1711. In this war, John was taken prisoner and sold to a Muslim cavalry officer who lived in Prokopion in Asia Minor. During his captivity, in contrast with most prisoners, he loved God and the religion of his fathers exceedingly. John to his master and to all who urged him to deny his Faith he answered with conviction that he preferred to die rather than fall into such a fearful sin. John was living on the stable, so that he could pray to his God. The blessing that the saint brought to his master's house soon enabled that cavalry officer to grow rich and become powerful in Prokopion.
After the Aga had become wealthy, he determined to go on the annual pilgrimage to Mecca to give thanks to God for his blessings. Meanwhile, after his departure, the Aga's wife gave a banquet, at which she invited her husband's relatives and friends. Pilaf, a dish favored by the Aga, was placed on the table. John then asked for a plate of the pilaf, saying that he would send it to his master in Mecca. Taking the dish, the saint went to the stable where he knelt and prayed that almighty God would send the food to his master. Indeed the plate of food vanished from before John's eyes.
Some time later the Aga returned from Mecca, and to the amazement of his household brought with him the very copper plate that had held the food. This miracle was soon made known to the whole village and surrounding area, and from now on John was considered righteous and beloved of God.
After some years, foreseeing his end, John called for a priest and asked to partake of the immaculate Mysteries. After receiving the immaculate Body and Blood of the Lord, John surrendered his holy soul into the hands of God. The date of his falling asleep was May 27, 1730.