John himself was born at Dokeia (now Tokat), in the region of Darbidos in the Armeniac Theme, and was educated by one of his relatives, the bishop of Gangra Christopher.
Yohanes sendiri lahir di Dokeia (sekarang Tokat), di wilayah Darbidos di Armeniakon, dan dididik oleh salah satu kerabatnya, uskup Çankırı Christopher.