Akathist to John of Shanghai and the Wonderworker of San Francisco: text of the akathist to John of Shanghai.

Father John - the greatest saint of the 20th century

Archbishop John of Shanghai and San Francisco is recognized as an outstanding spiritual leader and priest of the ROCOR.

The Foreign Orthodox Church arose as an organization that united priests and believers who found themselves in exile as a result of the events of the 1917 revolution and the Civil War.

On July 29, 1927, she announced that she was leaving the subordination of the Moscow church authorities, declaring them to be subordinate to the Bolsheviks.

July 29, 1927

on this day, the Russian Orthodox Church abroad announced its withdrawal from the Moscow authorities

The creation of Hieromonk Seraphim Platinsky

Kontakion 1

Similar to: Mounted Voivode: Chosen miracle worker and great servant of Christ, exuding abundant streams of spiritual instruction and many wondrous miracles to the whole world, we praise you with love Oviya and we call to you: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Ikos 1

The Creator of all creatures will appear to you in the form of an angel in the last times, and with the mercy of God care for the people of the earth. Looking at your virtues, blessed John, we cry out to you: Rejoice, adorned with piety from early childhood; Rejoice, having fulfilled the will of God with fear and trembling. Rejoice, you who have revealed the grace of God in secret good deeds; Rejoice, quick hearing from those who suffer. Rejoice, loving haste to your neighbors for salvation; Rejoice, joy to all who come to you with faith. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the abundant outpouring of your virtues, O glorious Saint John, we are enlightened in spirit, for the life-giving source of God’s miracles, give us drink as we faithfully cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having a mind filled with love, full of theology, the godly wise John, and wise in the knowledge of God, and adorned with love for suffering people, teach us to know the true God, and we too will be at peace. We cry out to you: Rejoice, unshakable stronghold of the truth of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, precious vessel of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, honest denouncer of unbelief and false teaching; Rejoice, zealous fulfiller of the commandments of God. Rejoice, ascetic, do not give yourself rest; Rejoice, beloved shepherd of the flock of Christ. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 3

By the power of God’s grace, you appeared as a good teacher and mentor to the young men, raising them in the passion of God and preparing them for the service of God. For this reason, for the sake of your child, they look at you and, giving thanks, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Truly, Father John, a song will be sung to you from heaven, and not from earth: how could anyone from man be able to preach the greatness of your deeds? We, offering to God, even imams, cry out to you: Rejoice, you who cover your children with unceasing prayer; Rejoice, guardian of your flock with the sign of the cross. Rejoice, great reservoir of love, do not regard the difference of languages; Rejoice, all-bright and all-loving lamp. Rejoice, image of unceasing prayer and mercy; Rejoice, O giver of spiritual consolations to those who require. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 4

We are overcome by a storm of misfortunes: how can we worthily praise your miracles, blessed John? For you have gone to the end of the world, for the sake of salvation for your flock and the gospel of the Gospel to those in darkness. Thanking God for your apostolic labors, we sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing near and far the greatness of your miracles, which by God’s mercy have been revealed even to this day, we are also amazed at the glorified God in you, crying out in fear: Rejoice, enlightener with those who are in the darkness of unbelief; Rejoice, you have brought your people from the far east to the west. Rejoice, source of miracles poured out by God; Rejoice, with love you admonish the erring. Rejoice, quick comforter to those who repent of their sins; Rejoice, I guide those to come along the right path. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 5

You have appeared the God-given light, dispelling all the fierce storms that exist on the island from the deadly whirlwinds with your prayers, St. John, and protecting with the sign of the cross. Teach us, who call upon you for help, O holy miracle worker, to cry out to God with boldness: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

We see your great help in adversities and circumstances, most blessed Father John, you are a bold intercessor before the Throne of God and a quick helper in troubles. For this reason, we also trust in your intercession before God and cry out to you: Rejoice, you who drive away the dangerous elements; Rejoice, by your prayer you relieve your needs. Rejoice, thou who art dear to the giver of bread to those who hunger; Rejoice, prepare abundance for those who ask. Rejoice, comforter in the tribulations of those who exist; Rejoice, thou who hast deceived many who have fallen from destruction. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 6

Preaching salvation, like a new Moses of rot, you appeared, bringing your people out of the captivity of the godless, blessed John. Deliver us too from the work of sin and invisible enemies, yes, rejoicing, we cry to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having shone with your righteousness, you have accomplished the impossible, O good shepherd: for you have bowed to the powers of the world to compassion for your people. For this reason, we are happy with them and we cry out to you in gratitude: Rejoice, good shepherd, you who have prepared a quiet haven for your flock; Rejoice, having the greatest care for children and the sick. Rejoice, you who earnestly help those who call upon you faithfully; Rejoice, for in your weak body the power of God has been perfected without envy. Rejoice, reflector of the attacks of the wicked; Rejoice, darker of lies and manifester of truth. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 7

Although it is worthy to glorify the ancient saints of the West, who fell away from the truth, you restored their veneration in the Orthodox Church, O lover of the saints of the East and West. Today, with them in heaven, pray for us who sing on earth: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Now we see you as the chosen one of God, who, together with the saints of ancient Gaul, appeared in the last times, as one of these, inspiring your flock to observe the Orthodox faith, as they did in West confession. Keep us also in this faith, who cry out to you: Rejoice, new Martin in abstinence, through your labors and miracles; Rejoice, new German in your confession of the Orthodox faith. Rejoice, new Hilary in divine theology; Rejoice, new Gregory in honoring and glorifying the saints of God. Rejoice, new Favste with monastic zeal; Rejoice, new Caesarea in firm love for the rule of the Church of God. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 8

A strange vision to imagine: in the new land you met your former flock, troubled by many sorrows, but like a wondrous shepherd you instructed you with your teaching, patience and righteousness, and You have erected the forge of God to the Mother, who is the joy of all who mourn; but we, marveling To your patience and humility, we cry out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Having betrayed all of yourself to Christ, you were the worker of His grapes, God-bearing Father, for you knew no peace until the end of your long-suffering life. Help us, the unworthy, in our deeds and in our diligence in fidelity to Christ, and, glorifyingly, we cry out to you: Rejoice, you who endured to the end and achieved salvation; Rejoice, you were deemed worthy to die before the icon of the Mother of God. Rejoice, courageous guardian of truth in the midst of the persecution of the unjust; Rejoice, having completed your service to the end and accepted your death as a hierarch. Rejoice, having consoled your flock after death with your miraculous return; Rejoice, you who give many miracles to your race with faith and love. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 9

All angelic nature rejoiced at the ascension of your soul to the heavenly abodes, but we, marveling at your miracles on earth, revealed by the action of the Holy Spirit, sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The stories of many things cannot be depicted according to the holiness of your life, O righteous Father John, since you were the house of grace of the ineffable God, we cannot keep silent about the miracles that were revealed on We marvel at this age of little faith and glorify you: Rejoice, chamber of divine instructions; Rejoice, having made angels fellow servants with your humble deeds. Rejoice, having found an eternal and miraculous dwelling in heaven; Rejoice, physician, in whom every ailment is cured by God. Rejoice, repository of prayerful deeds; Rejoice, sanctified temple of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 10

To save the world, even the Savior of all, a new saint was sent to us and through him we are called out from the dark depths of sin. Hearing him, calling us, we, unworthy, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are the wall of all those who resort to your heavenly intercession, Father John, and also protect us from demonic attacks, in the troubles and needs that beset us on earth, help us, so that with faith we cry to you: Ra sulk, blinded by sight; Rejoice, by the power of prayer you give life on your deathbed to those who exist. Rejoice, God-revealed admonition to those in confusion and doubt; Rejoice, saving moisture, watering the perishing in the sultry sorrow. Rejoice, fatherly intercession for the orphaned and abandoned; Rejoice, holy teacher of those who seek the truth. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 11

You brought unceasing singing to the Most Holy Trinity, most blessed Father John, in thought, word and good deeds: with much understanding of the true faith of God you understood the commandments, By faith, hope and love, instructing us in the Trinity to sing to the One God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Giving light of the lamp of Orthodoxy to those who exist in the darkness of ignorance, we see you, good shepherd of the flock of Christ. Thus, after your success, you reveal the truth to those who do not know it, enlightening the souls of the faithful, who cry out to you like this: Rejoice, enlightenment of the wisdom of God for those who are in unbelief; Rejoice, rainbow of quiet joy of the meek. Rejoice, O thunder, terrify those who persist in sin; Rejoice, lightning that burns heresies. Rejoice, confirmation of the dogmas of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, watering of the thought of God. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 12

We accept the grace given to you from God, leading this with reverence and gratitude, flowing to your wonderful intercession, O all-honored Father John, glorifying your miracles, we cry out to God: Alli Luia.

Ikos 12

Singing the praise of God, the heavenly host of saints rejoices, for the Lord has not forsaken the fallen and faithless world, but has shown His omnipotent power on you, meek and humble servant, oh blessed one Father John, and we, rejoicing with all the saints, honor you: Rejoice , a new star of righteousness that rose in heaven; Rejoice, new prophet, sent before the final reign of evil. Rejoice, as Jonah predicted retribution for sins; Rejoice, as the Baptist calling everyone to prayer and repentance. Rejoice, as Paul endured much for the sake of the Gospel and the preaching of the faith; Rejoice, new apostle, with your miracles instill in us awe and faith. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 13

O most bright and honorable servant of God, to our holy father John, consolation to all who are in sorrow, accept our present prayer offering, and through your prayers from hell fire I will be delivered and through your pleasing intercession we will be worthy to sing forever: Alleluia.

This kontakion is said three times.

And again the 1st Ikos and the 1st Kontakion are read.

Prayer 1

O our holy father John, good shepherd and seer of the mysteries of human souls! Now at the Throne of God you pray for us, just as you yourself said after death: “Even though I am dead, I am alive.” Beg the all-generous God to grant us forgiveness for our sins, so that we may rise up cheerfully and cry out to God to grant us the spirit of humility, the fear of God and piety in all the paths of our lives, like mercy You have been a great syrup-giver and skillful mentor on earth, now be a guide for us even in church turmoil Christ's admonition. Hear the groaning of the troubled youths of our hard times, overwhelmed by the demon of the all-evil one, and look at the despondency of the exhausted shepherds from the oppression of the corrupting spirit of this world and those languishing in the negligence of the right Come and hasten to prayer, we cry out to you tearfully, O warm man of prayer; visit us orphans, scattered all over the world and living in our fatherland, wandering in the darkness of passions, but with weak love for the light of Christ, drawn and waiting for your fatherly instruction, may it be good Let us get used to this and we will appear as heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, where you are with all the saints, glorifying the Lord our Jesus Christ, to Him is honor and power, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 2

O wonderful Saint John, you have only spread your heart, as if it comfortably accommodates many people who worship you from different tribes and peoples! Look at the wretchedness of our words, both brought to you out of love, and help us, saint of God, from now on to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, working for the Lord with fear and rejoicing in Him with trembling. And that we will reward you for this joy, even if we felt it, seeing your holy relics in the holy temple and glorifying your memory; Truly, there is no imam to repay, but if we begin to correct ourselves, what is new instead of what is old. Sowing the grace of renewal, be our intercessor, Saint John, help us in our weaknesses, heal illnesses, heal passions with your prayers; reposed from this time into another eternal life, instruct you in the same way, the Most Pure Lady, Hodegetria of the Russian Dispersion, with Her miraculous icon of the Root-Kursk, which is You appeared on the day of your repose, rejoicing now in the face of the saints glorifying the One God in the Trinity , Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

In June 2022, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the glorification of St. John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Wonderworker, and the discovery of his relics will be celebrated. During his lifetime, the amazing ascetic and ascetic was called a saint, and his prayerful appeals to God were so strong that they won victory even over death.

St. John of Shanghai, photo

Before emigration, Father John’s life was serene

Archbishop John in the world bore the name Mikhail Borisovich Maksimovich. He was born in the town of Adamovka. At that time it belonged to the Kharkov province, Izyumovsky district.

June 4, 1996

date of birth of Archbishop John

His birthday is June 4, 1996. His family was noble, pious and religious. She supported financially the Svyatogorsk Monastery, which was located on the Seversky Donets River.

Video clip: THE ELDERS. Archbishop John of Shanghai (2013).

Mikhail's father, Boris Ivanovich Maksimovich, was the district leader of the nobility in the city of Izyum. Mother - Glafira Mikhailovna Stefanovich-Sevastyanovich, housewife.

From the Maksimovich family came Metropolitan John of Tobolsk (Maksimovich), a famous church figure of the 17th century, canonized in 1916.

Mikhail was deeply religious from childhood.

He did not like noisy children's games and spent all his time reading the lives of saints.

Despite this circumstance, Mikhail had to enter the Petrovsky Poltava Cadet Corps in 1907. This was the long-standing family tradition of the Maksimovichs. The future archbishop graduated from the educational institution in 1914.

Mikhail Maksimovich at the age of 15 years. The saint was devout from childhood as he came from a deeply religious family

The saint, as a child, chose religious service and therefore, after completing his studies in the cadet corps, he declared his desire to study at the Kyiv Theological Academy.

His parents insisted that he continue his secular studies and enter Kharkov University at the Faculty of Law.

2004

this year John was canonized

Not daring to disobey his parents, young Maksimovich began a legal career.

While studying at the university, he led a religious life and independently studied spiritual literature.

Mikhail Maksimovich at the age of twenty. Around this time he graduated from the cadet corps

During these years, the saint met Archbishop Anthony (Khrapovitsky) of Kharkov.

Later he became his spiritual mentor.

At his invitation, Mikhail was present at the arrival of the future Serbian Patriarch Varnava (Nastic) in Kharkov.

1918

the year Mikhail graduated from Kharkov University

As a believer, he did not accept the February Revolution and openly stated this. Mikhail graduated from the university in 1918. Then he served for some time in the provincial court.

While the Bolsheviks were in Kharkov, he was imprisoned several times. When General A.I. entered the city. Denikin Mikhail Borisovich returned to serve in court. In addition, as a member of the parish council, he was active in it.

With the occupation of Kharkov by the Bolsheviks, Archbishop John had to emigrate to Yugoslavia

After the White troops retreated from Kharkov, the saint left with his family for Crimea. With the evacuees, he arrived in Constantinople in November 1920. After that, he and his family had to move to Serbia a year later.

Here Mikhail Borisovich became a theological student at Belgrade University. At this time, a period of hardship and hardship began. Father John lived on benefits allocated by the country's government for Russian refugees.

Saint John sold newspapers in order to live.

In 1924, the ROCOR was headed by Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky).

He dedicated his spiritual child to becoming a reader. Mikhail was a reader at the Russian Trinity Church in Belgrade.

In 1925, Father John graduated from the University of Belgrade. After this, the saint taught at the local gymnasium.

1925

the year John completed his studies at the University of Belgrade

Hieromonk John (Maksimovich). In Serbia, in the Milikov Monastery, he was tonsured a monk in 1926.

A year later, he was tonsured in the Russian Milkovo Monastery as a monk under the name John. In the same year, the Metropolitan elevated him to the rank of deacon. In December of the same year he was ordained to the priesthood.

This speed was explained by the fact that Orthodoxy in exile desperately needed priests, who were in short supply.

1926

this year John was tonsured a monk, the Metropolitan elevated him to the rank of deacon

Next, the archbishop became a teacher of church history and pastoral theology in the city of Bitol, at the local theological seminary. At this time, he became close friends with the rector of the Milkovy Monastery, Archimandrite Ambrose (Kurganov).

At the same time he published some theological works. In them, he polemicized with the priest Sergius Bulgakov, a supporter of “sophiology.”

King Alexander I Karageorgievich. He was especially revered by Saint John for the help he provided to Russian refugees in Serbia

King Alexander I Karadjordjevic of Yugoslavia was loved by Saint John as the patron saint of Russian emigrants. He celebrated a memorial service at the site of his murder in Marseille.

At the same time, other clergy refused to serve on the street. Then the bishop had to sweep the sidewalk, spread the bishop's eagles on it and serve a requiem mass in French.

Archbishop John had to flee China

1934

this year John moved to China

In 1934, the Synod of Bishops of the ROCOR decided to send John to China. The saint headed the Shanghai, Chinese and Beijing dioceses. Before leaving, he became the Bishop of Shanghai. He arrived in Beijing on December 4 of the same year.

In Shanghai, he had to resolve disagreements that arose between local Orthodox parishes.

Bishop John upon arrival in Shanghai (November 1934). The saint became famous during his stay in Shanghai for the arrangement of churches and charitable activities

Bishop John of Shanghai built a number of temples and church buildings in Shanghai. In addition, as the shepherd of Christ's flock, he was actively involved in charity work.

The saint also visited psychiatric hospitals and prisons, where cases of healing of the sick through the prayers of the saint are known. Father John served the liturgy every day following the example of St. John of Kronstadt.

John of Shanghai organized an orphanage in Shanghai.

In 1945, Manchuria was occupied by Red Army troops. A year later, the saint became the archbishop of the ROCOR and he, as the only one who did not recognize the Moscow Patriarch, had to register all the parishioners of the ROCOR who lived in China.

The rest of the clergy recognized the Moscow Patriarchate, which cooperates with the authorities of the USSR.

Saint John visits the Russian refugee camp on Tubabao. In 1945, due to the approach of communist Chinese troops, the saint was forced to flee to the island of Tubabao (Philippines) where he cared for his flock

Due to the advance of communist Chinese troops towards Shanghai, the saint, along with Russian refugees, had to be evacuated to the deserted part of the island of Tubabao. The island belonged to the Philippines.

In 1949, refugees, through the efforts of the archbishop, were given the opportunity to reside permanently in the United States. Father John founded a parish in Washington called St. John the Baptist Cathedral. A small number of emigrants moved to Australia.

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Saint John of Shanghai is from the Slavyansky region!

Akathist to Saint John of Shanghai

Kontakion 1

Chosen wonderworker and great servant of Christ, who exudes abundant streams of spiritual instruction and many wondrous miracles to the whole world, we praise you with love and call to you: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles

Ikos 1

In the last times, the Creator of all creation will appear to you as an angel, so that with the mercy of God you care for the people of the earth. Looking at your virtues, most blessed John, we cry to you: Rejoice, adorned with piety from early childhood. Rejoice, having fulfilled the will of God with fear and trembling. Rejoice, who has demonstrated the grace of God in secret good deeds. Rejoice, quick hearing from those who suffer in the distance. Rejoice, loving haste to your neighbors for salvation. Rejoice, joy to all who come to you with faith. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the abundant outpouring of your virtues, O glorious Saint John, we are enlightened in spirit, as if you are the life-giving source of God’s miracles, you have fed us, faithfully crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having a mind full of love, and also theology, wise John, and wise in the knowledge of God, and adorned with love for suffering people, teach us to know the true God, so that we too cry out to you in tenderness: Rejoice, unshakable stronghold of the truth of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, precious vessel of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, honest denouncer of unbelief and false teaching. Rejoice, zealous fulfiller of God's commandments. Rejoice, ascetic, do not give yourself rest on your bed. Rejoice, beloved shepherd of the flock of Christ. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 3

By the power of God's grace, you appeared as a good teacher and mentor to young men, raising them in the passion of God and preparing them for the service of God. For this reason, your children look at you and, giving thanks, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having truly, Father John, songs were sung to you from heaven, and not from earth: how could anyone from man be able to preach the greatness of your deeds; We, offering to God as imams, cry out to you: Rejoice, covering your children with unceasing prayer. Rejoice, guardian of your flock with the sign of the cross. Rejoice, great receptacle of love, regardless of the differences of languages. Rejoice, all-bright and all-loving lamp. Rejoice, image of unceasing prayer and mercy. Rejoice, O giver of spiritual consolations. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 4

We are overcome by a storm of adversity: how worthily can we praise your miracles, blessed John, for you have gone to the end of the universe, for the salvation of your flock and the gospel of the Gospel to those in darkness. Thanking God for your apostolic labors, we sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing near and far the greatness of your miracles, revealed by God’s mercy even to our time; In the same way, marveling at God who is glorified in you, I cry out in fear: Rejoice, enlightener of those who are in the darkness of unbelief. Rejoice, having brought your people from the far east to the west. Rejoice, source of miracles poured out by God. Rejoice, admonish the erring with love. Rejoice, quick consoler of those who repent of their sins. Rejoice, leader of those who come along the right path. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 5

The God-given light has appeared, dispelling all the fierce storms existing on the island from the deadly whirlwinds with your prayers, Saint John, and protecting with the sign of the cross. Teach us, who call upon you for help, miracle-working saint, to cry out to God with boldness: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

We see your many help in adversities and circumstances, most blessed Father John, you are a bold intercessor before the Throne of God and a quick helper in troubles. For this reason, we also trust in your intercession before God and cry out to you: Rejoice, you who drive away the dangerous elements. Rejoice, through your prayer you relieve your needs. Rejoice, dear giver of bread to those who hunger. Rejoice, prepare abundance for those who ask. Rejoice, comforter in these sorrows. Rejoice, thou who hast seduced many who have fallen from destruction. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 6

Preaching salvation, as if a new Moses, the vile one, has appeared, bringing your people out of the captivity of the godless, blessed John. Deliver us too from the work of sin and invisible enemies, so that we may cry out joyfully to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Having shone with your righteousness, you have accomplished the impossible, O good shepherd: for you have bowed down to the powers of worldly compassion for your people. For this reason, we are happy with them and we cry out to you in gratitude: Rejoice, good shepherd, who has prepared a quiet refuge for your flock. Rejoice, having the greatest care for children and the sick. Rejoice, you faithfully help those who call upon you diligently. Rejoice, for in your weak body the power of God has been unconditionally perfected. Rejoice, reflector of the attack of the wicked. Rejoice, darker of lies and manifester of truth. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 7

Ikos 7

We again see you, the chosen one of God, who, together with the saints of ancient Gaul, appeared in the last times as one of these, inspiring your flock to observe the Orthodox faith, just as these confessed in the West. Preserve us also to remain in this faith, crying out to you: Rejoice, new Martin in abstinence, through your labors and miracles. Rejoice, new German in your confession of the Orthodox faith. Rejoice, new Hilary in divine theology. Rejoice, new Gregory in honoring and glorifying the saints of God. Rejoice, new Favste with monastic zeal. Rejoice, new Caesarea in firm love for the rule of the Church of God. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 8

It’s a strange vision to imagine: in a new land you met your former flock, troubled by many sorrows, but like a wondrous shepherd you taught them with your teaching, patience and righteousness, and you erected the Church of God’s Mother, who is the Joy of all who mourn; We, marveling at your patience and humility, gratefully cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Having betrayed all of yourself to Christ, you were the worker of His grapes, God-bearing Father, for you knew no peace until the end of your long-suffering life. Help us, the unworthy, in our deeds and in our diligence in fidelity to Christ, and glorifying Him, we cry to you: Rejoice, you who endured to the end and achieved salvation. Rejoice, you were honored to die before the icon of the Mother of God. Rejoice, courageous guardian of truth in the midst of the persecution of the unrighteous. Rejoice, having completed your service to the end and received your death sitting down like a hierarch. Rejoice, having consoled your flock after death with your miraculous return. Rejoice, giver of many miracles to your race with faith and love. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 9

All angelic nature rejoiced at the ascension of your soul to the heavenly abodes, but we, marveling at your miracles on earth, manifested by the action of the Holy Spirit, sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The branches of multi-proclamation will not be able to depict the holiness of your life, O righteous Father John, since you were the house of grace of the Ineffable God; We cannot remain silent, marveling at the miracles revealed to our little-faithful age, and we glorify thee: Rejoice, chamber of divine instructions. Rejoice, for through humble action you have made angels your fellow servants. Rejoice, having found an eternal and miraculous dwelling in heaven. Rejoice, O physician, in whom every ailment is cured by God. Rejoice, repository of prayerful deeds. Rejoice, consecrated temple of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 10

To save the world, the Savior of all, a new holy messenger has been sent to us, and through him we have been called out from the dark depths of sin. Hearing him, calling us, we, unworthy, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to all who resort to your heavenly intercession, Father John, and also protect us from demonic attacks, help us in the troubles and needs that beset us on earth, and let us cry to you with faith: Rejoice, you who have been blinded by sight. Rejoice, by the power of prayer you grant life on your deathbed to those who exist. Rejoice, divinely revealed admonition to those in confusion and doubt. Rejoice, saving moisture, watering the perishing in the sultry sorrow. Rejoice, fatherly intercession for the orphaned and abandoned. Rejoice, holy teacher of those who seek truth. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 11

O blessed Father John, you brought unceasing singing to the Most Holy Trinity in thought, word and deed; With much understanding of the true faith of God, you have understood the commandments, by faith, hope and love, instructing us in the Trinity to sing to the One God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Giving light of the lamp of Orthodoxy to those who exist in the darkness of ignorance, we see you, the good shepherd of the flock of Christ. Thus, after your dormition, you reveal the truth to those who do not know it, enlightening the souls of the faithful, who cry out to you like this: Rejoice, enlightenment of the wisdom of God for those who are in unbelief. Rejoice, rainbow of quiet joy of the meek. Rejoice, O thunder, terrifying those who persist in sin. Rejoice, lightning, consuming heresies. Rejoice, confirmation of the dogmas of Orthodoxy. Rejoice, watering of the thoughts of God. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 12

The grace given to you from God knowingly, we accept this with reverence and gratitude, flowing to your wonderful intercession, O all-validated Father John, glorifying your miracles, we cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing praise to God, the heavenly host of saints rejoices, for the Lord has not abandoned the fallen and faithless world, but has shown His omnipotent power on you, meek and humble servant, O blessed Father John, and we, rejoicing with all the saints, honor you: Rejoice , a new star of righteousness that has risen in the sky. Rejoice, new prophet, sent into a world lying in evil. Rejoice, as Jonah predicted retribution for sins. Rejoice, as the Baptist calling everyone to prayer and repentance. Rejoice, as Paul endured much for the sake of the Gospel and the preaching of the faith. Rejoice, new Apostle, with your miracles you instill in us awe and faith. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 13

O most bright and admirable servant of God, Our Hierarch John, consolation to all who are in sorrow, accept our present prayer offering, so that through your prayers we will be delivered from hellfire and through your God-pleasing intercession we will be worthy to sing to God forever: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and 1st kontakion)

Prayer

O Saint Father John, good shepherd and seer of the souls of men! Now at the Throne of God you pray for us, as you yourself said after death: although I am dead, I am alive. Beg the All-Bountiful God to grant us forgiveness for our sins, so that we may rise up cheerfully and cry out to God for the granting of the spirit of humility, fear of God and piety to us in all the paths of our lives, as a merciful syrup-giver and skillful mentor who was on earth, now be our guide in the turmoil of the Church of Christ admonition. Hear the groaning of the troubled young men of our hard times, overwhelmed by the all-evil demon, and look at the despondency of the exhausted shepherds from the oppression of the corrupting spirit of this world and those languishing in idle negligence, and hasten to prayer, tearfully crying out to you, O warm prayer worker: visit us, the orphans, all over our faces the universe of the scattered and existing in the Fatherland, wandering in the darkness of passions, but with weak love drawn to the light of Christ and waiting for your fatherly instruction, so that we become accustomed to piety and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, where you abide with all the saints, glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ, to Him is honor and power now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion, tone 5

Your care for your flock on their journey, this is a prototype of your prayers, ever offered up for the whole world: thus we believe, having come to know your love, to Saint and Wonderworker John. Everything from God is sanctified by the sacred rite of the Most Pure Mysteries, in whose image we ourselves are constantly strengthened, you hastened to the suffering, the most joyful healer. Hasten now to help us, who honor you with all our hearts.

Kontakion, tone 4

Having followed Christ the Chief Shepherd, you appeared among the most eminent saints, for you saved your sheep from the destruction of the godless, thereby establishing a peaceful haven, and having unceasing care for your flock, you healed their mental and physical ailments, and now for us who fall with your honest power, Pray to Christ God, Father John, for our souls to be saved in peace.

LIFE

Remembrance Day July 2 (NS)

Archbishop John was born on June 4, 1896 in the south of Russia in the village of Adamovka, Kharkov province. At holy baptism he was named Michael in honor of the Archangel of the Heavenly Powers, Michael. Since childhood, he was distinguished by his deep religiosity, standing for long periods of time at night in prayer, diligently collecting icons, as well as church books. Most of all he loved to read the lives of saints. Michael loved the saints with all his heart, became completely saturated with their spirit and began to live like them. The child's holy and righteous life made a deep impression on his French Catholic governess, and as a result she converted to Orthodoxy. During the time of persecution, by the Providence of God, Mikhail ended up in Belgrade, where he entered the university at the Faculty of Theology. In 1926, Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky) tonsured him a monk, taking the name John in honor of his ancestor St. John (Maksimovich) of Tobolsk. Already at that time, Bishop Nikolai (Velimirović), the Serbian Chrysostom, gave the following characterization to the young hieromonk: “If you want to see a living saint, go to Bitol to Father John.” Father John constantly prayed, fasted strictly, served the Divine Liturgy and received communion every day, and from the day of his monastic tonsure he never went to bed, sometimes he was found in the morning dozing off on the floor in front of the icons. With truly fatherly love, he inspired his flock with the high ideals of Christianity and Holy Rus'. His meekness and humility were reminiscent of those immortalized in the lives of the greatest ascetics and hermits. Father John was a rare man of prayer. He was so immersed in the texts of prayers, as if he was simply talking with the Lord, the Most Holy Theotokos, the angels and saints who stood before his spiritual eyes. The gospel events were known to him as if they were happening before his eyes. In 1934, Hieromonk John was elevated to the rank of bishop, after which he left for Shanghai. According to Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky), Bishop John was “...the mirror of ascetic firmness and severity in our time of general spiritual relaxation...” The young bishop loved to visit the sick and did this daily, accepting confession and communicating the Holy Mysteries to them. If the patient’s condition became critical, Vladyka came to him at any hour of the day or night and prayed for a long time at his bedside. There are numerous cases of healing of hopelessly sick people through the prayers of St. John. With the communists coming to power, Russians in China were again forced to flee, most through the Philippines. In 1949, approximately 5 thousand Russians from China lived on the island of Tuba Bao in the camp of the International Refugee Organization. The island was in the path of seasonal typhoons that sweep across this sector of the Pacific Ocean. However, during the entire 27 months of the camp's existence, it was only once threatened by a typhoon, but even then it changed course and bypassed the island. When one Russian, in a conversation with the Filipinos, mentioned his fear of typhoons, they said that there was no reason to worry, since “... your holy man blesses your camp every night from all four sides...”. When the camp was evacuated, a terrible typhoon hit the island and completely destroyed all the buildings. The Russian people, living in dispersion, had in the person of the Lord a strong intercessor before the Lord. While caring for his flock, Saint John did the impossible. He himself traveled to Washington to negotiate the resettlement of dispossessed Russian people to America. Through his prayers a miracle happened. American laws were amended and most of the camp, about 3 thousand people, moved to the USA, the rest to Australia. In 1951, Archbishop John was appointed ruling bishop of the Western European Exarchate of the Russian Church Abroad. In Europe, and then in San Francisco from 1962, his missionary work, firmly based on a life of constant prayer and the purity of Orthodox teaching, bore abundant fruit. The glory of the Bishop spread both among the Orthodox and among the non-Orthodox population. So, in one of the Catholic churches in Paris, a local priest tried to inspire young people with the following words: “You demand proof, you say that now there are no miracles or saints. Why should I give you theoretical proofs when today Saint John Discalced walks the streets of Paris? The Bishop was known and highly revered throughout the world. In Paris, the railway station dispatcher delayed the departure of the train until the arrival of the “Russian Archbishop”.

All European hospitals knew about this Bishop, who could pray for a dying person all night. He was called to the bedside of a seriously ill person - be he Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox or anyone else - because when he prayed God was merciful. The sick servant of God Alexandra was lying in a Paris hospital, and the Bishop was told about her. He passed a note that he would come and give her Holy Communion. Lying in the common ward, where there were about 40-50 people, she felt embarrassed in front of the French ladies that she would be visited by an Orthodox bishop, dressed in incredibly shabby clothes and, moreover, barefoot. When he gave her the Holy Gifts, the French woman on the nearest bed said to her: “How lucky you are to have such a confessor. My sister lives in Versailles, and when her children get sick, she drives them out into the street where Bishop John usually walks and asks him to bless them. After receiving the blessing, the children immediately recover. We call him a saint." The children, despite the Lord’s usual severity, were absolutely devoted to him. There are many touching stories about how the blessed one incomprehensibly knew where a sick child might be, and at any time of the day or night he came to console him and heal him. Receiving revelations from God, he saved many from impending disaster, and sometimes appeared to those who were especially needed, although such a movement seemed physically impossible.

The blessed Bishop, a saint of the Russian Abroad, and at the same time a Russian saint, commemorated the Moscow Patriarch at the services along with the First Hierarch of the Synod of the Russian Church Abroad. Turning to history and seeing the future, St. John said that in times of troubles Russia fell so much that all her enemies were sure that she was mortally struck. In Russia there was no tsar, power and troops. In Moscow, foreigners had power. People became “faint-hearted,” weakened, and expected salvation only from foreigners, whom they fawned over. Death was inevitable. In history it is impossible to find such a depth of the fall of the state and such a quick, miraculous uprising, when people rebelled spiritually and morally. This is the history of Russia, this is its path. The subsequent grave suffering of the Russian people is a consequence of Russia's betrayal of itself, its path, its calling. Russia will rise just as it rebelled before. Will rise when faith flares up. When people rise spiritually, when they again have a clear, firm faith in the truth of the Savior’s words: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Truth, and all these things will be added to you.” Russia will rise when it falls in love with the faith and confession of Orthodoxy, when it sees and loves the Orthodox righteous and confessors. Vladyka John foresaw his death. On July 2, 1966, on the day of remembrance of the Apostle Judas, during an archpastoral visit to Seattle with the miraculous icon of the Kursk-Root Mother of God, at the age of 71, before this Hodegetria of the Russian Abroad, the great righteous man passed away to the Lord. Sorrow has filled the hearts of many people around the world. After the death of Vladyka, a Dutch Orthodox priest wrote with a contrite heart: “I do not and will no longer have a spiritual father who would call me at midnight from another continent and say: “Go to sleep now. What you pray for, you will receive.” The four-day vigil was capped by a funeral service. The bishops conducting the service could not hold back their sobs; tears streamed down their cheeks and glistened in the light of countless candles near the coffin. It is surprising that at the same time the temple was filled with quiet joy. Eyewitnesses noted that it seemed that they were present not at a funeral, but at the unveiling of the relics of a newly discovered saint. Soon, miracles of healing and help in everyday affairs began to occur in the tomb of the Lord. Time has shown that Saint John the Wonderworker is a quick helper to all those in troubles, illnesses and sorrowful circumstances.

Saint John of Shanghai prevented the bombing of Shanghai in 1945.

He comes from near Slavyansk (the village of Adamovka - 15 km from Slavyansk).

Will he really not protect his homeland in difficult times?

Download Akathist to Saint John of Shanghai akafist-svyatitelyu-ioannu-shanhayskomu.doc [112 Kb] (downloads: 630) ———————————————————————— Brothers and sisters ! Let's not despair about Donbass. The fate of the Lord is inscrutable. Don’t we, Orthodox Christians, know that “the power of God is made perfect in weakness.” Let's turn to our saints! The elders of old Valaam said that “the saints are waiting for people to turn to them and are ready to lend a helping hand.” Another thing is that blood is flowing like a river, and the churches are empty. Yesterday, relatives from Izyum told us that many refugees are coming from neighboring Slavyansk (52 km), looking for apartments. And in the church at the great shrine - the miraculous Peschanskaya Icon of the Mother of God - there are five people... “And every day like this, five people...” July 2 is the feast of St. John of Shanghai (Maximovich). All of Foreign Rus' serves the Liturgy in his memory throughout the world. Saint John of Shanghai - Saint of the Russian Diaspora, prayer book for Holy Rus'. Support the idea, Orthodox Christians: let us collectively ask the clergy in San Francisco to fervently pray for Donbass before the relics of St. John of Shanghai. Who else, if not him, should I ask to be an intercessor for the Donetsk land? Saint John of Shanghai is from near Slavyansk. He was born in the village of Adamovka. In the village of Khrestishche he was baptized. I went to the Svyatogorsk Lavra (which has now accepted 500 refugees with children) on foot from my parents’ estate. All this is the vicinity of Slavyansk. In the county town of Izyum, his father was the leader of the nobility. How many other people live around the world whose old eyes well up with tears when they remember Father John of Shanghai. He was a miracle worker. Miracles through his prayer occurred all over the world: in China and the Philippines, throughout America and Europe. He took five thousand Russian refugees from China, and for four years he protected them from the typhoon on a Philippine island with a cross. They had nowhere to go. Saint John went to Washington, and stood in front of the White House with a censer, censing, censing... And the incredible happened: the US Congress passed a special law that allowed Russian refugees to enter the United States for permanent residence. As soon as they left the island, a typhoon came and wiped out their camp from the face of the earth. Saint John of Shanghai saw the horror of the fratricidal war with his own eyes. In Khrestishche, where he was baptized as an infant, there is the Svyatogorsk Icon of the Mother of God. In 1919, security officers slaughtered monks in front of it, the icon stood in a pool of blood. This is just a touch of time. He carried out his ministry in Russian China during the Second World War. In his book “Vladyka John - Saint of the Russian Diaspora,” Archpriest Peter Perekrestov writes: “... Let us turn to the evidence confirming the power of the saint’s prayer, which prevented the bombing of Shanghai. S. Fedorova recalls: “In Shanghai in 1945, when the war ended and the first Americans appeared, my son brought three American pilots to visit us. We had dinner, sat and talked. The subject of conversation was, of course, the just ended war. The eldest of the pilots, addressing me and my late husband, said: “You have a large prayer book in Shanghai, thanks to which you were not harmed.” To my bewildered question about who he was talking about, he replied that they had already been given the order to bomb Shanghai and there were only a few minutes left before departure, as the order was about,” said the pilot. In my thoughts, like my husband’s, only one name flashed through my mind—Vladyka John. Only he could ask the Lord with his prayers for this cup to pass from us. And no matter who I told about this, everyone, as one, called our beloved, highly revered shepherd.” The end of the war was approaching, and the terrible bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took place. Someone then gloated, reasoning that “that’s how it should be...!”, and the bishop prayed for the innocent victims. At the end of hostilities, on October 11, 1945, the Bishop made an entry in his Book of Decrees:

“To the Shanghai flock. By the grace of God, the bloodshed that had lasted for a number of years, tormenting almost the entire world and threatening even greater disasters, stopped. In the days when our city will triumph, let us not be like the ungrateful healed lepers who did not thank their Healer, but, remembering all the events that have happened recently and that may occur in the future, let us turn with fervent prayer to the Provider God, thanking Him for preserving our personal lives , the salvation of this city from the complete destruction that awaited it, the liberation of our Fatherland and this country from the invasion of foreigners, the defeat of the resistance and the onset of peace. Let us offer earnest prayers, that the Lord God may now grant favorable times, establishing lasting peace on earth, and for those who laid down their lives for their homeland and were killed in battle, His eternal Kingdom in heaven. John, Bishop of Shanghai." People who are fleeing Donbass en masse today have not yet realized that this could be serious and forever. The path of a refugee is very sorrowful. The path to nowhere, where no one is waiting anywhere. And Saint John of Shanghai also knew this. Himself a refugee from the revolution and the Civil War, he spent his entire life comforting Russian refugees. So, he collected little orphans in the Chinese slums and brought them to his orphanage. But there was nothing to feed them, and one of the teachers complained: One evening, when he came to us, exhausted, exhausted, cold and silent, I could not restrain myself and told him everything that was in my heart... He looked at me sadly and asked : “What do you need most?” I answered immediately: “In everything! At worst, in oatmeal. I have nothing to feed my children in the morning.” Saint John, in deep sorrow, went up to his room, prayed and bowed all night. Everyone was woken up by the doorbell. The teacher who opened the door “saw an unfamiliar gentleman - he looked like an Englishman, who said that he represented some kind of grain company, and they had extra supplies of oatmeal, so he would like to find out if it could be used for it, because here, as he heard , have children. And immediately they started bringing bags of oatmeal into the shelter.” At this time, Vladyka John began to slowly descend the stairs. Seeing the bags of oatmeal, he returned to his room to continue his prayer, now a prayer of thanks.

With the blessing of Archbishop of Kherson and Tauride John

Kherson 2011

Archbishop John served in Western Europe and the USA

After fleeing China, the archbishop served in different countries of the world: France, Holland, and the USA. In addition, he cared for Bulgarian, Arab and Romanian Orthodox parishes.

1962

this year John is forced to travel to the USA

In 1962, the saint had to leave for the United States for a long time to overcome the schism between the Orthodox communities there. His mission was successful and peace was restored between the priesthood.

Saint John in his cell in San Francisco. Here he died in 1966 while praying

The holy ascetic died on July 2, 1966 in Seattle in the cell of St. Nicholas parish. With the sign of the cross, he knelt before the Kursk-Root miraculous icon of the Mother of God. Canonized by ROCOR in 1994.

The Russian Orthodox Church canonized him as a saint in 2004. The relics of the saint are kept in St. Nicholas Cathedral. They are often delivered to Russia.

July 2, 1966

date of death of Saint John, commemoration day is celebrated on July 19

They are revered among believers as a symbol of the triumph of the Orthodox Faith and resistance to the atheistic authorities.

Brief biography

Misha Maksimovich (that was the name of the saint in the world) was born at the end of the 19th century into the family of Orthodox nobles Boris and Glafira Maksimovich, who emigrated to Serbia after the October Revolution. Mikhail, who has already received an excellent legal education, is graduating from a theological seminary in Belgrade. He was tonsured a monk with the name John.

Interesting fact

In the 17th century, the Maksimovich-Vasilkovsky family already had a famous ascetic - missionary and educator of the Siberian land, Saint John of Tobolsk. In honor of his ancestor, the young monk received a new name. From the day of his ordination and throughout his life, John of Shanghai and San Francisco slept very briefly either in a chair or on the floor in front of the iconostasis, observed strict fasting, eating food once a day late in the evening, and received the Holy Mysteries of Christ daily.

Useful materials

After 3 years he was elevated to the rank of hieromonk. The future saint began his pastoral ministry as Bishop of Shanghai in 1934. Under him, the construction of the cathedral in honor of the “Supportress of Sinners” icon was completed, and a large shelter for street children was built in honor of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk.

Every day, Vladyka walked, most often barefoot, around hospitals and shelters, where he performed the sacraments of Confession and Communion. He visited the sick and suffering regardless of the time of day. His fervent prayers at the bedsides of hopeless patients worked real miracles.

The Bishop of Shanghai was elevated to the rank of archbishop in 1946, and five years later, because of the Communist Party that came to power, the Russian Orthodox community hastily left Shanghai and found temporary refuge in the Philippines. It took my father a lot of effort to obtain permission from the American authorities to accept 3,000 Russians into the United States of America.

Since 1951, Bishop served for 11 years in Western Europe, where he was greatly revered, called “Russian Archbishop”, “John the Barefoot”, “Saint John”. Upon his return to California, the archbishop humbly endured false accusations, denunciations and trials, but as a result he was acquitted.

July

1966

Vladyka, as he foresaw, died in Seattle. This happened after the Divine Liturgy in St. Nicholas Cathedral in front of the miraculous Kursk-Root Icon. The saint’s body was laid in the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Cathedral, which he built during his pastoral ministry.

Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco is commemorated twice a year: June 19/July 2 - the day of his blessed death; September 29/October 12—finding of relics.

After the saint’s repose, one of his spiritual children, an Orthodox priest, wrote: “I do not and will no longer have a spiritual father who would call me at midnight from another continent and say: “Go to sleep now. What you pray for, you will receive.”

Saint John - heavenly patron of ascetics

The saint's memory is celebrated on July 19. October 12th is the day of the discovery of his relics. During his lifetime, Archbishop John was a model of an ascetic, ascetic life.

That is why he is considered the heavenly patron of ascetics, people who renounced earthly pleasures to serve God. In addition, seminarians also pray to him for success in their studies.

Icon of St. John, Archbishop of Shanghai. They pray to him for the admonition of sectarians and people of little faith

Believers can pray to Saint John for help in illness. Turning to him helps when it is necessary to bring some sense to sectarians and people of little faith. In difficult life circumstances, it is also worth turning to his icon with prayer.

The saint will provide help to resolve poverty and any need. As a Wonderworker, he stands at the throne of God, so his prayers reach the Lord faster than the prayers of ordinary believers.

Akathist to John the Wonderworker approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church

Akathist

this is a song of praise and thanksgiving

Several prayers are dedicated to Saint John. In addition, an akathist to John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Wonderworker was compiled . Akathist is a song of praise and thanksgiving. It may be dedicated, among other things, to a saint. The text of the Akathist to John of Shanghai was approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Video: Akathist to ST. JOHN the Wonderworker of Shanghai and prayer. (audio).

The Akathist, unlike the kontakia used in ancient times, contains hapyreticisms, that is, praises. They begin with the word “rejoice.” An example of such an exclamation (ikos) is as follows:

“…..Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!”

The introduction of the akathist is the words: “Chosen wonderworker / commander / servant of Christ.” They are necessarily followed by the name of the saint.

In addition, the lyrics of the song may use words such as “good shepherd”, “transfigured Father John”, “by the grace of God”, “saints to the father”, etc.

They emphasize certain qualities of the saint, giving the address to him a solemn form. The introduction ends with the hayretism “Rejoice!”

The akathist to Saint John the Wonderworker was composed in Old Church Slavonic, so expressions such as “for thou art,” “thou art appeared,” “those crying out to you,” etc. are often found in it. If something in the text is unclear, you can seek advice from a priest. He will tell you how to correctly understand this or that passage of the Akathist to the saint.

The Akathist is divided into 12 large stanzas or ikos, as well as 12 smaller stanzas - kontakia. In them we sing praises to God, both the saint himself and his deeds. St. John is approached with various requests.

This could be hastening to save your neighbors or a request to send the Grace of God, to show those in darkness the way, etc.

The Church Charter does not indicate exactly when it is necessary to read the akathist to St. John of Shanghai. It is usually included in the prayer service. Akathists were very popular in the Russian Orthodox Church until recent times. The fact is that the akathist can be read without a priest, of whom there were few among the emigrants.

In the USSR they were often the only form of worship. This is why the Akathist to John the Wonderworker is so popular, because at that time it was distributed underground, reprinted on a typewriter.

It should be noted that such copies contained errors. The fact is that believers did not know, for example, the meaning of the expression “the sorrows of beings.”

That is why it is necessary to read only the text of the Akathist that was approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. All other texts are prohibited for reading by priests and believers.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas Parish in Seattle. Tomb of St. John. An Akathist dedicated to the saint is often read here

It does not contain errors and therefore does not distort the essence of the prayer appeal to the saint. If the reader of the akathist does not speak the Church Slavonic language well, then he can read such an expression as “rejoicing to everyone who comes to you with faith” in a general civil presentation.

Saint John himself was a zealot of ancient traditions and stood for conducting services exclusively in the Church Slavonic language.

Akathist to St. John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, wonderworker

Kontakion 1, tone 8: To the elected Voivode:

Chosen miracle worker and a great servant of Christ, exuding abundant streams of spiritual instruction and many wondrous miracles to the whole world,

We praise you with love and call to you: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Ikos 1

The Creator of all creation will appear to you in the form of an angel in the last times, so that with the mercy of God you may care for the people of the earth. Looking at your virtues, most blessed John, we cry to you:

Rejoice, adorned with piety from early childhood; Rejoice, having fulfilled the will of God with fear and trembling. Rejoice, you who have revealed the grace of God in secret blessings; Rejoice, quick hearing from those who suffer in the distance. Rejoice, loving haste for the salvation of your neighbors; Rejoice, joy to all who come to you with faith. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the abundant outpouring of your virtues, O glorious Saint John, we are enlightened in spirit, like a life-giving source of God’s miracles, giving us water to drink as we faithfully cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having a mind full of love, and also theology, wise John, and wise in the knowledge of God, and adorned with love for suffering people, teach us to know the true God, and we too cry out to you in tenderness:

Rejoice, unshakable stronghold of the truth of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, precious vessel of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, honest denouncer of unbelief and false teaching; Rejoice, zealous fulfiller of God's commandments. Rejoice, ascetic, do not give yourself rest on your bed; Rejoice, beloved shepherd of the flock of Christ. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 3

Ikos 3

Having truly, Father John, a song was sung to you from heaven, and not from earth: how could anyone from man be able to preach the greatness of your deeds? We, offering to God as imams, cry out to you:

Rejoice, covering your children with unceasing prayer; Rejoice, guardian of your flock with the sign of the cross. Rejoice, receptacle of great love, regardless of the difference of languages; Rejoice, all-bright and all-loving lamp. Rejoice, image of unceasing prayer and mercy; Rejoice, O giver of spiritual consolations to those who require. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 4

We are overcome by a storm of misfortunes: how can we worthily praise your miracles, Blessed John? For you have gone to the end of the world, to save your flock and preach the gospel to those in darkness. Thanking God for your apostolic labors, we sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing near and far the greatness of your miracles, manifested by God’s mercy even to our time, and marveling at God glorified in you, I cried out in fear:

Rejoice, enlightener of those in the darkness of unbelief; Rejoice, having brought your people from the far east to the west. Rejoice, source of miracles poured out by God; Rejoice, admonish the erring with love. Rejoice, quick consoler of those who repent of their sins; Rejoice, for guiding those to come along the right path. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 5

Ikos 5

We see your great help in adversities and circumstances, most blessed Father John, you are a bold intercessor before the throne of God and a quick helper in troubles. For this reason, we also trust in your intercession before God and cry out to you:

Rejoice, banisher of dangerous elements; Rejoice, through your prayer you deliver from needs. Rejoice, dear giver of bread to those who hunger; Rejoice, prepare abundance for those who ask. Rejoice, comforter in these sorrows; Rejoice, thou who hast deceived many who have fallen from destruction. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 6

Preaching salvation, like a new Moses, the evil one, you appeared, leading your people out of the captivity of the godless, blessed John. Deliver us too from the work of sin and invisible enemies, and let us rejoice and cry to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Rejoice, good shepherd, who has prepared a quiet refuge for your flock; Rejoice, having the greatest care for children and the sick. Rejoice, you faithfully help those who call upon you with zeal; Rejoice, for in your weak body the power of God has been perfected without envy. Rejoice, reflector of the attack of the wicked; Rejoice, darker of lies and manifester of truth. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 7

Ikos 7

We again see you, the chosen one of God, who, together with the saints of ancient Gaul, appeared in the last times, as one of these, inspiring your flock to observe the Orthodox faith, as these confessed in the West. Keep us also in this faith, crying out to you:

Rejoice, new Martin in abstinence, your labors and miracles; Rejoice, new German in your confession of the Orthodox faith. Rejoice, new Hilary in divine theology; Rejoice, new Gregory in honoring and glorifying the saints of God. Rejoice, new Favste with monastic zeal; Rejoice, new Caesarea in steadfast love for the rule of the Church of God. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 8

A strange vision to imagine: in a new land you met your former flock, troubled by many sorrows, but like a wondrous shepherd you instructed them with your teaching, patience and righteousness, and you erected the Church of God’s Mother, who is the Joy of all who mourn: we, marveling to your patience and humility, we cry out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Rejoice, you who endured to the end and achieved salvation; Rejoice, you were honored to die before the icon of the Mother of God. Rejoice, courageous guardian of truth in the midst of the persecution of the unrighteous; Rejoice, having completed your service to the end and received your death sitting down like a hierarch. Rejoice, having consoled your flock after death with your miraculous return; Rejoice, giver of many miracles to your race with faith and love. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 9

All angelic nature rejoiced at the ascension of your soul to the heavenly abodes, but we, marveling at your miracles on earth, manifested by the action of the Holy Spirit, sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The oracles of multi-proclamation will not be able to depict the holiness of your life, O righteous Father John, since you were the house of grace of the ineffable God, we cannot remain silent, the miracles revealed to our little-faithful age, marveling, and glorifying you:

Rejoice, chamber of divine instructions; Rejoice, having made angels co-servants with your humble deeds. Rejoice, having found an eternal and miraculous dwelling in heaven; Rejoice, O physician, in whom every ailment is cured by God. Rejoice, repository of prayerful deeds; Rejoice, consecrated temple of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 10

To save the world, like the Savior of all, a new holy messenger has been sent to us, and through him we have been called out from the dark depths of sin. Hearing him, calling us, we, unworthy, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to all who resort to your heavenly intercession, Father John, and protect us from demonic attacks; help us in the troubles and needs that beset us on earth, and we cry out to you with faith:

Rejoice, you who have been blinded by sight; Rejoice, by the power of prayer give life on your deathbed to those who exist. Rejoice, divinely revealed admonition to those in confusion and doubt; Rejoice, saving moisture, watering the perishing in the sultry sorrow. Rejoice, fatherly intercession for the orphaned and abandoned; Rejoice, holy teacher of those who seek the truth. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 11

You brought unceasing singing to the Most Holy Trinity, Blessed Father John, in thought, word and deed: with many understandings of the true faith of God, you understood the commandments of God, by faith, hope and love, instructing us in the Trinity to sing to the One God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Rejoice, enlightenment by the wisdom of God of those who are in unbelief; Rejoice, rainbow of quiet joy of the meek. Rejoice, O thunder, terrifying those who persist in sin; Rejoice, lightning, consuming heresies. Rejoice, confirmation of the dogmas of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, watering of the thoughts of God. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 12

The grace given to you from God, leading this with reverence and gratitude is acceptable, flowing to your wonderful intercession, O all-validated Father John, glorifying your miracles, we cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Rejoice, new star of righteousness that has risen in heaven; Rejoice, new prophet, sent before the final reign of evil. Rejoice, as Jonah predicted retribution for sins; Rejoice, as the Baptist calling everyone to prayer and repentance. Rejoice, as Paul endured much for the sake of the Gospel and the preaching of the faith; Rejoice, new apostle, with your miracles you instill in us awe and faith. Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Father John, quick helper in troubles!

Kontakion 13

O most luminous and admirable servant of God, Our Hierarch John, consolation to all who are in sorrow, accept our present prayer offering, so that through your prayers we will be delivered from hellfire and through your God-pleasing intercession we will be worthy to sing forever: Alleluia.

This kontakion was spoken three times, and again the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.

Prayer 1

O Saint Our Father John, good shepherd and seer of secrets of human souls! Now at the Throne of God you pray for us, as you yourself said after death: “Even though I am dead, I am alive.” Beg the all-generous God to grant us forgiveness for our sins, so that we may rise up cheerfully and cry out to God to grant us the spirit of humility, fear of God and piety in all the paths of our lives, as a merciful syrup-giver and skillful mentor who was on earth, now be our guide in the turmoil of the church Christ's admonition. Hear the groaning of the troubled young men of our hard times, overwhelmed by the all-evil demon, and look at the despondency of the exhausted shepherds from the oppression of the corrupting spirit of this world and those languishing in idle negligence and hasten to prayer, we cry out tearfully to you, O warm prayer book; visit us orphans, scattered all over the world and living in our homeland, wandering in the darkness of passions, but drawn by weak love to the light of Christ and waiting for your fatherly instruction, so that we become accustomed to piety and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, where you abide with all the saints, glorifying the Lord our Jesus Christ, to whom is honor and power, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 2

O wonderful Saint John, you have expanded your heart so much that it comfortably accommodates many people from different tribes and peoples who worship you! Look at the wretchedness of our words, both brought to you out of love, and help us, servant of God, from now on to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, working for the Lord with fear and rejoicing in Him with trembling. And that we will reward you for this joy, even as we felt it, seeing your holy relics in the holy temple and glorifying your memory; truly, it is not the imams with whom to reward, but if we begin to correct ourselves, there are new ones instead of old ones. Sowing the grace of renewal, be our intercessor, Saint John, help us in our weaknesses, heal illnesses, heal passions with your prayers; reposed from this time into another eternal life, the Most Pure Lady, Hodegetria of the Russian Dispersion, taught you in this way, with Her miraculous icon of the Root-Kursk, whose companion you appeared on the day of your repose, rejoicing now in the face of the saints glorifying the One in the Trinity, the glorified God , Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The creation of Hieromonk Seraphim Platinsky