Orthodox Church observes May 8 holiday honoring St. John and St. Arsenios

On May 8 the Eastern Orthodox calendar commemorates St. John the Evangelist and St. Arsenios the Great. The day is associated with folk customs that forbid lending bread and salt and encourage opening one’s heart and home to the needy.

St. John, one of the twelve apostles, is remembered for his close relationship with Jesus, his authorship of the Fourth Gospel and Revelation, and for caring for the Virgin Mary after the crucifixion. St. Arsenios, a 4th‑century monk and former imperial tutor, is famed for his scholarly learning, austere monastic life in the Egyptian desert, and his spiritual guidance of many monks.

Both saints are venerated for their examples of faith and charity, and the holiday is traditionally used as an occasion for giving food and assistance to the poor.