Who is John of Shanghai and San Francisco
The future famous saint was born on June 4, 1896, in the Kharkov province. At baptism he received the name Mikhail. The boy came from a noble noble family, the Maksimovichs. Representatives of this family were famous for their amazing piety and virtue. In particular, another famous Russian pastor, Bishop John of Tobolsk, was a relative of the future righteous man.
While still a child, Mikhail showed great interest in faith and serving God. The child loved to read the lives of saints, often prayed, and was distinguished by meekness and humility. The boy's behavior greatly amazed his governess, a French lady. Impressed by the child’s zeal and zeal for the Lord, his teacher, who was a Catholic, converted to Orthodoxy.
Despite the desire of the young man himself to devote himself to God, his parents insisted that he receive a military education. Therefore, in 1914 he graduated from the Petrovsky Poltava Cadet Corps. Then he continued his studies at Kharkov University to become a lawyer. In 1918, having completed the course, he began working in the courts. At that difficult time, power in Ukraine was constantly changing, and the people experienced great difficulties due to the collapse of the Russian Empire.
In 1920, the Maksimovich family had to leave their homeland. They moved to Yugoslavia, where they had to endure all the hardships of life as emigrants. But it was here that Mikhail was able to enter the theological faculty of the University of Belgrade. The young man had to combine his studies with the hard work of a newspaper seller. According to eyewitnesses, Maksimovich was poor, but he studied hard.
He successfully completed his studies in 1925. Just a year later, he took monastic vows with the name John, in honor of his relative, John of Tobolsk. He dedicated the next forty years of his life to the Lord. Over the years, many events have happened; life has forced the pastor of the Orthodox Church to travel around the world.
He was a comforter for that part of the Russian people who, after the bloody events of the revolution, found themselves deprived of their homeland. But his feat was not limited to this. John carried out missionary activities and even prayed for people of other faiths - Catholics and Protestants. The ministers of the Western Christian Church themselves considered the Russian shepherd a saint during his lifetime.
For a long time, John served in Europe, until in 1934 he was sent to Shanghai, appointing him a local bishop. There were many Russian emigrants here, whom the righteous hieromonk helped in troubles and difficulties. He resignedly went to the sick and infirm, served Orthodox services and endlessly prayed for the human race.
More than ten years passed like this. But when power in China passed into the hands of the Communist Party, the Russians had to leave Shanghai. They had to spend some time in the Philippines. Bishop John was next to his flock. Moreover, he went to America, to Washington, to ask for asylum for Russian people. Eventually, the US government agreed to accept immigrants from China, and three thousand people arrived in America.
After this, Archbishop John served again in Europe, and then went to San Francisco. Here he was engaged in missionary activities, preached Orthodox teachings and cared for the local flock. The hallmarks of the righteous man were his uncompromising kindness and mercy.
He refused to help anyone - neither those of other faiths, nor ideological opponents, nor simple lost souls. Therefore, the French and Americans revered him as a saint.
After four years of ministry in San Francisco, John of Shanghai died on June 19, 1966 in Seattle. The whole world mourned the death of the righteous man. The body was buried in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Joy to All Who Sorrow in San Francisco. It soon became clear that his relics were incorruptible. In 1994, the canonization of St. John of Shanghai took place.
Texts of strong Orthodox prayers
To address the saint, the Orthodox wrote several special prayers. In addition to the traditional troparion and kontakion, they ask him for healing of illnesses and well-being in work. An akathist is also dedicated to the righteous, telling about the difficult, glorious life path of Father John.
About healing
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 dominion, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
About well-being at work
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.
Troparion
Your care for your flock in her wanderings, / this is the prototype and prayers of yours, for the whole world, which are always offered up. / Thus we believe, having known your love, / to the saint and wonderworker John! / All from God consecrated by the sacred rite of the most pure Mysteries, / in which we ourselves are constantly strengthened, You hastened to the suffering, most kindly to the healer. // Hasten even now to help us who honor you with all our hearts.
Kontakion
Your heart embraces the love of all those who pray to you, Saint John,/ and remember the feat of your life./ Your death was painless and easy,// Hodegetria the Most Pure Faithful to the Servant .
Akathist
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, 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 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, covering 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, by God’s mercy even to our time, manifested even to our time, and in you, who is glorified by God, marveling, crying out in fear:
Rejoice, enlightener of those who exist 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 united with them and we cry out to you in gratitude:
Rejoice, good shepherd, who has 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, 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 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, yes, glorifyingly, we cry 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, and with faith we cry to you:
Rejoice, you who have been 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 show 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, with all the saints, rejoicing, honor you:
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 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.
CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE BRANCHESTER
June 19/July 2
Troparion, tone 5
Your care for your flock on its journey, this is a prototype of your prayers for the whole world, ever offered; Thus we believe, having come to know your love, to Saint and Wonderworker John! Everything from God is sanctified by the sacred rites of the most pure mysteries, with which we are constantly strengthened, you hastened to the suffering, the most joyful healer. Hurry and help us, who honor you with all our hearts.
Parish icon of St. John of Shanghai, placed on his cassock
“Holiness is not just righteousness, but the achievement of such spiritual heights that the grace of God that fills the saint overflows from him to those who communicate with him. Great is the blessedness of the saints in which they abide, contemplating the glory of God. Being full of love for God and people, they are responsive to human needs and intercede before God and help those who turn to them.”
Characterizing the ancient saints with these words, Vladika John simultaneously summed up his personal spiritual aspiration, which made him one of the greatest saints of our time.
Biography of the Righteous
Bishop John, baptized Mikhail, was born in the Kharkov province on July 4, 1896 to the pious nobles Boris and Glafira Maksimovich. Already from childhood, young Mikhail felt some special desire for holiness, similar to that of his distant relative - the outstanding Siberian missionary St. John, Metropolitan of Tobolsk, glorified by God for miracles and incorruption of relics. Mikhail was a sickly boy with poor appetite; He turned toy soldiers into monks, and fortresses into monasteries. The Svyatogorsk Monastery, located near the Maksimovich estate, encouraged young Mikhail to have a thoughtful attitude towards life. Under the influence of the youth Michael, the heterodox governess converted to Orthodoxy.
In 1914, Mikhail graduated from the Poltava Cadet Corps and entered the Kharkov Imperial University at the Faculty of Law. He studied excellently, although he devoted part of his time to studying the lives of saints and spiritual literature. Kharkov church life contributed to the initial steps of young Mikhail along the path of piety. In the tomb of the Kharkov Cathedral rested the relics of the wonderworker Archbishop Meletius (Leontovich), who spent his nights in prayer, standing with his hands raised. Michael fell in love with this saint and began to imitate him in the feat of night vigil. So, gradually, young Michael began to develop a desire to completely devote himself to God, and in connection with this, high spiritual qualities began to appear in him: abstinence and a strict attitude towards himself, great humility and compassion for the suffering.
Even before leaving Russia, young Mikhail met His Beatitude Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky), the founder of the Russian Church Abroad. At the end of the civil war, Mikhail and his family were evacuated to Yugoslavia, where he entered the theological faculty of the University of Belgrade, from which he graduated in 1925. Having become better acquainted with young Mikhail, Metropolitan Anthony fell in love with him very much and brought him closer to him. In 1926, Metropolitan Anthony tonsured Mikhail as a monk with the name Ioann (in honor of Metropolitan John of Tobolsk) and soon ordained him as a hierodeacon. On the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, the monk John became a hieromonk. In 1929, he began teaching at a Serbian gymnasium and quickly won the love of students with his ability to inspire them with high Christian ideals.
As a hieromonk, John continued to excel in the feat of strict abstinence, to which he added the feat of all-night prayer, which was unbearable for most people. During this period, at the request of the local Greeks and Macedonians, he began to serve for them in Greek. Like the holy righteous John of Kronstadt, Vladyka served the Liturgy daily, which gave him great spiritual strength, warming his love for God and people. Hieromonk John began visiting hospitals and looking for sick people in need of prayer, consolation and communion. Since the fame of Hieromonk John continuously grew, the bishops abroad decided to elevate him to bishop. Wanting to evade such a high title, Hieromonk John began to refer to his tongue-tiedness. But the bishops remained adamant, pointing out to him that the prophet Moses was tongue-tied.
The consecration of Hieromonk John as a bishop and his appointment to the Shanghai diocese took place in May 1934. The newly ordained Bishop arrived in Shanghai at the end of November and immediately set about restoring church unity, establishing contact with local Orthodox Serbs, Greeks and Ukrainians. At the same time, Vladyka began building a huge cathedral in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Support of Sinners,” which was completed along with a three-story parish house and a bell tower. Possessing inexhaustible energy, Vladyka John was the inspirer of the construction of churches, hospitals and shelters and took an active part in many social endeavors of Russian Shanghai.
But with all this vigorous activity, Vladika John seemed to be in another world. To avoid worldly fame and human praise, he at times pretended to be a holy fool. Being constantly in prayer, Vladyka, if he did not serve in the temple, then read all the daily services himself. Vladyka often walked barefoot even on the coldest days, ate once a day, and during fasting he ate only prosphora. To cheer himself up, he doused himself with cold water in the morning. I didn’t go on visits, but I always visited those in need of help, even at the most unexpected times and in bad weather. Vladyka visited sick people he knew every day with the Holy Gifts. He had insight and the gift of powerful prayer. Many cases of miraculous help through the prayers of Vladika John are recorded.
In 1939, a certain parishioner began to lose faith due to the trials that befell her. Once, entering the temple during the service of Vladika John, she saw how, during the transubstantiation of the Holy Gifts, a light in the form of a large tulip descended into the Chalice. After this miracle, faith returned to her, and she began to repent of her cowardice.
One day, from constant standing, the Vladyka’s leg became very swollen, and the doctors, fearing gangrene, ordered him to go to the hospital. After many requests, we finally managed to persuade Vladyka to go to a Russian hospital. But he did not stay there long: on the very first evening he secretly fled to the cathedral, where he served an all-night vigil. A day later, the leg swelling disappeared without a trace.
Vladyka visited prisons and served Liturgy for prisoners. Often, at the sight of the Lord, the mentally ill calmed down and took communion with reverence. Once, Vladyka John was invited to give communion to a dying man in a Russian hospital in Shanghai. The Bishop took the priest with him. Arriving at the hospital, he saw a young and cheerful man, 20 years old, playing the harmonica. This young man was supposed to be released from the hospital the next day. Vladyka John called him over with the words: “I want to give you communion now.” The young man immediately confessed and took communion. The amazed priest asked the Vladyka why he did not go to the dying man, but stayed with the apparently healthy young man. The Bishop replied: “He will die tonight, and the one who is seriously ill will live for many more years.” And so it happened.
A huge deed of the Lord’s mercy was the construction of a shelter for orphans and needy children in Shanghai. At first there were 8 orphans living in the shelter, over the years the shelter began to provide shelter to hundreds of children, and in total 1,500 children passed through the shelter. Vladyka himself collected sick and starving children from the streets of Shanghai slums.
Once during the war, the orphanage did not have enough food to feed the children. Vladyka prayed all night, and in the morning he received a call: a representative of some organization arrived with a large donation for the shelter. During the Japanese occupation, Vladyka declared himself the temporary head of the Russian colony and showed great courage in defending the Russians before the Japanese authorities.
In Shanghai, singing teacher Anna Petrovna Lushnikova taught Vladyka to breathe correctly and pronounce words correctly, and thereby helped him improve his diction. At the end of each lesson, Vladyka paid her 20 dollars. One day, during the war, in 1945, she was seriously wounded and ended up in a French hospital. Feeling that she might die at night, Anna Petrovna began to ask the sisters to call Vladyka John to give her communion. The sisters refused to do this, since the hospital was locked in the evenings due to martial law. In addition, there was a strong storm that night. Anna Petrovna was eager and called Vladyka. Suddenly, at about 11 o’clock at night, the Bishop appeared in the room. Not believing his eyes, A.P. She asked the Lord if this was a dream, or if he really came to her. The Bishop smiled, prayed and gave her communion. After that she calmed down and fell asleep. The next morning she felt healthy. No one believed A.P. that Vladyka visited her at night, since the hospital was tightly locked. However, the neighbor in the ward confirmed that she also saw the Vladyka. What amazed everyone most was that they found a 20 dollar bill under Anna Petrovna’s pillow. So the Lord left material evidence of this incredible incident.
A former Shanghai servant of the Vladyka, now Archpriest Georgy Larin, says: “Despite the severity of the Vladyka, all the servants loved him very much. For me, the Lord was an ideal that I wanted to imitate in everything. So, during Great Lent, I stopped sleeping in bed, and lay down on the floor, stopped eating regular food with my family, and ate bread and water alone... My parents became worried and took me to the Vladyka. Having listened to them, the Saint ordered the watchman to go to the shop and bring sausage. In response to my tearful requests that I did not want to break Lent, the wise Archpastor ordered me to eat sausage and always remember that obedience to parents is more important than unauthorized feats. “What should I do next, Master?” - I asked, still wanting to strive in some “special” way. - “Go to church as you still went, and at home do what your dad and mom tell you.” I remember how upset I was then that Vladyka did not assign me any “special” feats.”
With the communists coming to power, Russians from China fled to the Philippine Islands. Five thousand refugees were on the island of Tubabao . The Bishop walked around the island every day and, with his prayers and the sign of the cross, protected the island from seasonal typhoons; the Filipinos themselves recognized this. At the request of the Bishop, the law on Russian refugees was changed in Washington, thanks to which many Russians were allowed into the United States. During this visit to the capital of the United States on September 11, 1949, on the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Bishop John founded our parish.
In 1951, Vladyka headed the Western European diocese, with a see in Paris. The Bishop made great efforts to join the parishes of the French Orthodox Church to the Church Abroad and helped create the Dutch Orthodox Church. The Bishop drew attention to the existence of ancient local saints, hitherto unknown to the Orthodox Church. On his initiative, the Synod passed a resolution on the veneration of a number of saints who lived in the West before the division of the churches in 1054. Vladyka constantly traveled throughout Europe and served the Liturgy in French, in Dutch, and later in English. Many revered him as a selfless healer.
E.G. Chertkova recalls: “I went to visit Vladyka several times when he lived in the Cadet Corps near Paris. He had a small cell on the top floor. In the cell there was a table, an armchair and several chairs, and in the corner there were icons and a lectern with books. There was no bed in the cell, because Vladyka did not go to bed, but prayed, leaning on a high stick with a crossbar on top. Sometimes he prayed on his knees; Probably, when I bowed, I fell asleep a little in this position, on the floor. That's how he exhausted himself! Sometimes during our conversation, it seemed to me that he was dozing. But when I stopped, he immediately said: “Continue, I’m listening.”
When he was not serving, but was at home, he usually walked barefoot (to mortify the flesh) - even in the most severe frosts. Sometimes he walked barefoot in the cold along the rocky road from the building to the temple, which was located at the gate, and the building stood inside the park, on a hill. One day he injured his leg; doctors could not cure her, and there was a danger of blood poisoning. We had to put Vladyka in the hospital, but he refused to go to bed. However, at the insistence of his superiors, Vladyka finally submitted and went to bed, but put a boot under him so that it would be uncomfortable to lie there. The hospital nurses, French women, said: “You brought a saint to us!” A priest came to see him every morning, served the Liturgy, and Vladyka received communion.”
“Since at one time we did not have our own priest, one day a priest from another parish came to us and served an all-night vigil. The entire all-night vigil lasted 45 minutes! We were horrified! So much was missed that we decided to tell the Bishop about this in the hope that he would influence this priest, in the sense of observing the order of worship. And the Lord, smiling sweetly, tells us: “Well, there’s no way to please you! I serve too long, and he serves too short!” How sweetly and meekly the Lord taught us not to judge.”
V.D. says: “Many knew that the Vladyka did not need to ask someone to visit: the Lord Himself inspired him where and to whom to go. In Parisian hospitals, many knew Vladyka John and let him into the hospital at any time. Moreover, the Lord unmistakably went where he needed to go. When my brother was wounded in the head, he was admitted to the hospital. An X-ray showed that he had a large crack in his skull. His eyes were swollen and bloodshot; he was in a terrible state. The Bishop, who did not know my brother, miraculously found him in the hospital, prayed over him and gave him communion. When my brother's head was re-examined, no crack was found. My brother recovered quickly. The doctor couldn’t understand anything!”
The last years of Vladika John
The Gospel Beatitudes, having a consistent connection with each other, culminate in a reward for enduring reproach and persecution for the sake of truth. The time had come for Vladika John, at the end of his days, to endure many sorrows. These sorrows found him while still in Brussels: from San Francisco he received sad news from his spiritual children that disagreements had begun in their parish. At this time, Vladyka John’s longtime friend, Archbishop Tikhon of San Francisco, retired. In his absence, the construction of the cathedral was suspended, and the quarrel paralyzed the community. In response to the persistent request of thousands of Russian parishioners in San Francisco, the Synod appointed Archbishop John to the San Francisco See to restore peace and complete the construction of the cathedral.
The Vladika arrived in San Francisco, that ever-foggy city of the Far West, in the fall of 1962. Under the leadership of the Bishop, peace was restored, the majestic cathedral in honor of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” was built and decorated with golden domes.
But it was not easy for the Vladyka: he had to endure a lot meekly and silently. He was even forced to appear in an American civil court and answer ridiculous accusations of ecclesiastical shortcomings on the parish council. Although the truth triumphed, the last years of the Lord were filled with the bitterness of slander and persecution. Several cases of the Vladyka’s miraculous help have been preserved, dating back to the last period of his life. Here are just a few stories.
Anna Khodyreva says: “My sister Ksenia Ya., who lived in Los Angeles, had severe pain in her arm for a long time. She went to doctors and was treated with home remedies, but nothing helped. Finally, she decided to turn to Vladyka John and wrote him a letter in San Francisco. Some time passed and the hand got better. Ksenia even began to forget about the previous pain in her arm. One day, while visiting San Francisco, she went to the cathedral for a service. At the end of the service, Vladyka John allowed the cross to be kissed. Seeing my sister, he asks her: “How is your hand?” But Vladyka saw her for the first time! How did he recognize her and the fact that her arm hurt?” [2, p. 86].
Anna S. recalls: “My sister and I had an accident. A drunk young man was driving towards me. He hit the car door with great force from the side where my sister was sitting. An ambulance was called and the sister was taken to the hospital. Her condition was very serious - her lung was punctured and a rib was broken, which made her suffer greatly. Her face was so swollen that her eyes could not be seen. When the Lord visited her, she lifted her eyelid with her finger and, seeing the Lord, took his hand and kissed it. She couldn't speak because... there was a cut in her throat, but tears of joy flowed from the slits of her eyes. Since then, Vladyka visited her several times, and she began to recover. One day, Vladyka came to the hospital and, entering the general ward, told us: “Musa is very ill now.” Then he went to her, drew the curtain near the bed and prayed for a long time. By that time, two doctors approached us, and I asked them how serious the sister’s situation was and whether it was worth calling her daughter from Canada? (We hid from our daughter that her mother had an accident). The doctors replied: “Whether or not to call your relatives is your business. We do not guarantee that she will live until the morning." Thank God that she not only survived that night, but completely recovered and returned to Canada... My sister and I believe that the prayers of Vladika John saved her” [2, p. 97].
A parishioner of our Washington church, L.A. Liu, recalls: “In San Francisco, my husband, having been in a car accident, was very sick; he lost control of his balance and suffered terribly. At this time, the Lord was experiencing many troubles. Knowing the power of the Vladyka’s prayers, I thought: If I invite the Vladyka to my husband, he will get better. However, I was embarrassed to invite Vladyka, knowing how busy he was. Two days pass, and suddenly Vladyka comes to us, accompanied by Mr. B. M. Troyan, who brought him. Vladyka stayed with us for only about five minutes, but I began to believe that my husband would recover, although he was going through the most critical moment. Indeed, after visiting the Lord, he experienced a sharp turn, after which he began to recover. Later I met Mr. Troyan at a church meeting, and he told me that it was he who drove the car when he took Vladyka to the airport. Suddenly the Lord tells him: “We are going to Liu now.” He objected that they would be late for the plane. Then the Lord asked: “Can you take on a person’s life?” There was nothing to do, and he took Vladyka to us. However, Vladyka was not late for the plane, because he was detained.”
Several people claim that Vladika John knew about the time and place of his death. On June 19, 1966, Vladyka escorted the miraculous Kursk-Root Icon to Seattle, served the Divine Liturgy and remained in the altar alone with the icon for another three hours. Then, having visited the spiritual children near the cathedral with the Miraculous Icon, he proceeded to the room of the church house where he was staying. The servants seated the Lord in a chair and saw that he was already leaving. So the Vladyka gave up his soul to God in front of the miraculous icon of the Sign of the Mother of God.
Icon in the chapel in honor of the Iveron Montreal Icon of the Mother of God at Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C., USA. The funeral service for the Bishop was led by Metropolitan Philaret. For six days the Vladyka lay in the coffin, but, despite the heat, no smell of decay was felt, and his hand remained soft. The Bishop rests in a tomb under the cathedral. A special peace and tranquility reigns there and signs of God’s mercy are created. In 1994, a special commission for the glorification of Vladika John discovered that his relics were incorrupt. Vladyka John continues to help people who turn to him for help. Let us limit ourselves here to two cases.
Victor Boyton told the following about Vladika John’s healing of his friend. “A miracle happened after I received the next issue of the English-language publication “Orthodox Life” from Jordanville with a photograph of Vladika John. I had a friend, a Muslim from Russia, who suffered from blood cancer and was losing his sight. Doctors said that in three months he would be completely blind. Having placed a photograph of Vladika John by my lamp, I began to pray daily for my friend. After a short period of time, my friend recovered from blood cancer and began to see normally. Eye doctors were amazed by this case. Since then, my friend has led a normal life and reads unhindered. Indeed, Vladika John is holy!”
Archpriest Stefan P. recalls: “My brother Pavel, not being a military man, lived in Vietnam for several years. There he looked for children wounded or orphaned as a result of the then ongoing war. He placed them in shelters or hospitals. This is how he became close to a Vietnamese woman, Kim Yong, his future wife, who also helped the unfortunate children. The brother introduced Kim to the Orthodox faith and to the lives of many saints of God. She told her brother that in the most difficult moments, a certain old man appeared to her in a dream vision, who consoled her and showed her what to do. Once, for Easter, I sent my brother cassettes of monastery singing and several books and magazines of spiritual content. Having received my package and shown the spiritual literature to Kim, my brother was surprised when she, seeing the cover of a magazine, exclaimed: “This is the old man who appears to me in a dream!” Here she pointed to the famous photograph of Vladika John, taken among the graves of the cemetery of the Novo-Diveevsky Monastery in Spring Valley. Subsequently, Kim was baptized in the Orthodox Church with the name Kira."
Through prayers at his incorruptible relics, people strengthen their faith, receive healing, consolation, and spiritual strength. Saint John, after many exploits, worries, and sorrows that he endured for Christ and His Truth, landed in a quiet heavenly haven, where, rejoicing with the angels, he glorifies the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the One God in the Trinity, to Whom and from us yes there will be glory, honor and worship, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Abbot Alexander (Mileant)
Prayer to Saint John, Wonderworker of the last times
Oh, our holy father John, good shepherd and seer of human souls. Now pray for us at the Throne of God, as he himself said after death: “Although I died, I am alive.” Beg the Almighty God to grant us forgiveness for our sins, so that we can boldly perk up and shake off the despondency of this world and cry out to God for the granting of humility and Inspiration, God-consciousness and the spirit of piety to us on all the paths of our lives. As you have been a merciful syrup-feeder and experienced guide on earth, now be for us the leader of Moses and Christ’s all-encompassing admonition in the turmoil of the church. Hear the groaning of the confused young men of our hard times, overwhelmed by the all-evil demon, and shake off the laziness and despondency of the exhausted shepherds from the onslaughts of the spirit of this world and languishing in an idle stupor. May we tearfully cry out to you, O warm prayer book, visit us orphans, drowning in the darkness of passions, waiting for your fatherly instruction, may we be illuminated by the non-evening light where you abide and pray for your children, scattered across the face of the universe, but still drawn to the light by weak love Where the light of Christ our Lord abides, to Him is honor and dominion now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
From the teachings of Bishop John
