John of Gothia was an 8th-century metropolitan bishop of Doros and a leader of a rebellion against Khazar rule. Born to a Crimean Gothic family in Partenit, he later traveled to Jerusalem for a three-year pilgrimage. Following this journey, he served as a bishop in Georgia starting in 758 before returning to his homeland. He is recognized as a saint within the Eastern Orthodox tradition for his leadership and religious service during a period of political upheaval in the Byzantine Empire.
Life and rebellion
In 787, John organized an uprising to remove Khazar control from Gothia. His forces successfully expelled the local garrison and the Tudun, seizing vital mountain passes. Although the rebellion initially succeeded, the Khazars reclaimed the city within a year. Following his capture, John was held in Phoulloi, but he eventually escaped. He fled to Amastris, where he passed away around 791.
Veneration and legacy
The Eastern Orthodox Church has canonized him as a saint. His remains were transported back to the Ayu-Dag mountain near Partenit, where a memorial now stands. He is commemorated in the church calendar on May 19, while a memorial day is observed on June 26.