# Commemoration of Saint John the Evangelist > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/commemoration-of-saint-john-the-evangelist > Updated: 2026-09-26T17:02:26.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 3. Religious traditions commemorate the life and legacy of Saint John the Evangelist, also known as Saint John the Theologian. As a close disciple of Jesus, John is noted for his presence during key biblical events—including the Transfiguration, the Last Supper, and the Crucifixion—and his subsequent ministry in Asia Minor, specifically Ephesus. Accounts of his life include his exile on the island of Patmos under Emperor Dometian, where he reportedly faced torture, and his authorship of the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. His writings are often centered on the theme that ‘God is love’. Tradition holds that John, a fisherman and son of Zebedee and Salome, died in old age in Ephesus during the reign of Emperor Trajan, with some accounts specifying he passed away at over one hundred years of age. In the Orthodox tradition, September 26 marks the ‘Translation of the Lord of Saint Apostle and Evangelist John’ or the ‘Dormition of Saint John the Apostle.’ This feast commemorates the belief that after John was buried outside Ephesus, his body was miraculously transferred to eternal life or taken up to heaven. Some religious accounts further note that when his grave was later opened, his body was not found, and the Church celebrates his memory on May 8, noting reports of fragrant dust emerging from his grave. Global observances include hierarchical vespers services in Tenafly, New Jersey, and various religious activities in Greece, such as the appointment of a new Presbyter in Zakynthos. The liturgical calendar also includes the commemoration of Saint Callistratus and 49 martyrs on September 27, as well as Saint Acylina, a martyr from Thessaloniki who died in 1764. ## Claims - The Church commemorates the Dormition (transference) of Saint John the Theologian on September 26. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Saint John the Theologian died in old age in Ephesus and was buried outside the city. (single source) - According to tradition, John's body was found empty three days after his burial, signifying his transference to eternal life. (single source) - The UN reports that 75 million pregnancies worldwide are unwanted. (single source) - Of the unwanted pregnancies, 45 million result in abortion and 20 million occur under unsafe conditions. (single source) - The Council of Europe established September 26 as European Day of Languages in 2001. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Saint John the Theologian feast celebrated in Aetolia and Acarnania Metropolitan Damaskinos presided over the feast of Saint John the Theologian in the Holy Metropolis of Aetolia and Acarnania, emphasizing the Apostle's roles as disciple, witness, and writer. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saint-john-the-theologian-feast-celebrated-in-aetolia-and-acarnania ### 2026-09-25: Saint John the Theologian: Life and legacy of the Apostle and Evangelist The life and theological contributions of Saint John the Theologian, an Apostle and Evangelist, are honored, highlighting his role as a close disciple of Jesus and author of the Gospel of John. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saint-john-the-theologian-life-and-legacy-of-the-apostle ### 2026-09-25: Orthodox Church commemorates Saint John the Theologian and various martyrs The Orthodox Church commemorates the Dormition of Saint John the Theologian on September 26 and honors martyrs Saint Callistratus and Saint Acylina on September 27. 40 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/september-26-observances-saint-john-the-theologian-and-global-awareness-days --- Cite as: Commemoration of Saint John the Evangelist. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/commemoration-of-saint-john-the-evangelist