Where are St John’s remains?

Where are St John’s remains?

St John the Apostle, also known as St John the Evangelist, is one of the most important figures in Christianity. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. After his death, the whereabouts of his remains have been a topic of great discussion and speculation.

According to early Christian tradition, St John died around 100 AD in Ephesus, which is now modern-day Turkey. It is believed that he was buried in Ephesus, and a small chapel, known as the Tomb of St John, was built on the site of his burial. This chapel became a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world.

However, in the sixth century, the remains of St John were said to have been relocated from Ephesus to Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, Turkey. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I wanted to protect and honor the relics of the saint, so he ordered the construction of the Church of St John at the new location. The relics were placed in a marble tomb inside the church.

In the following centuries, the Church of St John became an important pilgrimage site, attracting believers from near and far. However, during the Fourth Crusade in the thirteenth century, the church was looted and damaged by the Crusaders. The whereabouts of St John’s remains became a mystery once again.

It wasn’t until the twentieth century that new clues emerged regarding the location of St John’s remains. In 1958, a French archaeologist named Louis Perret discovered a small lead box in the ruins of the Church of St John in Istanbul. Inside the box, he found bone fragments and a small piece of a skull. The fragments were believed to be the remains of St John.

However, the authenticity of these remains has been a subject of debate among scholars and experts. Some argue that the fragments could belong to any person and cannot be conclusively identified as St John’s remains. Others believe that they are indeed the relics of the beloved apostle.

Today, the fragments discovered by Perret are kept in the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul. Pilgrims and tourists can visit the museum and see these relics, which are believed by many to be the remains of St John. Whether they are genuine or not, the tomb in Ephesus and the fragments in Istanbul serve as reminders of the legacy of St John and his important role in Christian history.

FAQs about St John’s remains:

1. Are the remains in the Tomb of St John in Ephesus authentic?

The authenticity of the remains in the Tomb of St John is uncertain. While early Christian tradition associates the tomb with St John, there is no conclusive evidence to prove that the remains inside belong to him.

2. Why were St John’s remains moved to Constantinople?

Emperor Justinian I wanted to protect and honor the relics of St John, so he ordered their relocation from Ephesus to Constantinople. The Church of St John was built at the new location to house the remains.

3. What happened to the Church of St John in Constantinople?

During the Fourth Crusade in the thirteenth century, the church was looted and damaged. The whereabouts of St John’s remains became a mystery once again.

4. Who discovered the remains in Istanbul?

French archaeologist Louis Perret discovered the remains in Istanbul in 1958. He found bone fragments and a piece of a skull inside a lead box in the ruins of the Church of St John.

5. Can the remains in Istanbul be proven to be St John’s?

The authenticity of the remains discovered by Perret is a subject of debate among experts. While many believe they are the remains of St John, others argue that they could belong to any individual.

6. Can pilgrims visit the Tomb of St John in Ephesus?

Yes, the Tomb of St John in Ephesus is open to pilgrims and tourists. It is a popular destination for those seeking to connect with the legacy of St John.

7. Where are the remains kept today?

The remains discovered by Perret are kept in the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul. Visitors can see the bone fragments and skull piece believed by many to be St John’s remains.

8. What is the significance of St John in Christianity?

St John is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of several important texts in the New Testament. He is highly revered in Christianity for his close relationship with Jesus and his writings.

9. How did St John die?

According to tradition, St John died around 100 AD, but the exact circumstances of his death are not known. Some accounts suggest that he died of old age, while others mention martyrdom.

10. What is St John known for?

St John is known for his deep spirituality, his role as an apostle, and his contributions to the New Testament. His Gospel emphasizes the love of God and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.

11. Are there any other relics associated with St John?

Apart from the remains in Ephesus and Istanbul, there are no other widely recognized relics associated with St John.

12. Why is St John sometimes called “the beloved disciple”?

St John is sometimes referred to as “the beloved disciple” because of his close relationship with Jesus. The Gospel of John portrays him as the disciple whom Jesus loved.