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.
Life of John of Shanghai
The lives of John of Shanghai and San Francisco were distinguished by a certain asceticism. Those who encountered him during his lifetime described him as a stooped man with flowing dark gray hair that reached his shoulders. It was also noted that he had a speech impediment and walked with a limp.
The life of this person is quite interesting and contains many unusual cases:
- Father John was born in 1896 into a family of nobles.
- In 1914 he graduated from the cadet corps in Poltava.
- And already in 1918 - Faculty of Law at Kharkov University.
- After his emigration to Yugoslavia in 1925, he graduated from the University of Belgrade from the Faculty of Theology.
- In 1926, he was tonsured a monk and after that he taught the Law of God for several years in a gymnasium in one of the Serbian cities.
- Then in 1929 he became a priest. It was at this time that several of his works saw the light, including “The Doctrine of Sophia - the Wisdom of God.”
- On June 3, 1934, he was appointed Bishop of Shanghai. It was during this time that he became known for his philanthropy.
- Then, from 1946, he assumed the position of archbishop of all parishioners of the ROCOR in China.
- But after the communist troops won, he, along with his parishioners, were transported to the Philippines, and later to the USA.
- But despite everything, in 1951 he became the head of the Western European diocese of the ROCOR.
- And only in 1962 he moved to America. There he was appointed Archbishop of Western America and San Francisco.
- He left this world on July 2, when he was praying in his cell in St. Nicholas Church in Seattle.
- To the joy of all Christians, he was canonized as a saint by the Council of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad in June 1994.
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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.
Miracles of John of Shanghai
We know that many saints were famous for their miracles. Also, John the Wonderworker of Shanghai was known for his miracles, which continued even after his death. The impossible thing that happened after his prayers makes us understand how much the all-round spiritual power of this man was developed.
- Once in Shanghai, the saint was asked to urgently come to the hospital to give communion to a dying man. He took the Holy Gifts and, accompanied by another priest, went to the hospital. After his arrival there, he saw a young 20-year-old man playing the harmonica. He stopped next to him and said that he wanted to give him communion. The accompanying priest was a little taken aback and said that this was a healthy guy and he did not need help, but they were called to another one. To which John replied that the dying man would live for a long time, but this one would die today.
- After the priest was evacuated to the Philippines with his flock, he visited one of the hospitals. There he heard heartbreaking screams. The nurse told him that this hopeless patient was bothering everyone with her screams, and nothing could be done to help her. Vladyka purposefully went to her, despite the dissuadings of the medical staff. Seeing the woman, the bishop put a cross on her head, confessed her and gave her communion. After he left, she just moaned quietly. And the next time, during the bishop’s visit to the hospital, she herself ran out to meet him.
- During his stay in Shanghai, Bishop took lessons to improve his diction from singing teacher Anna Petrovna Lushnikova. For each such lesson he paid 20 dollars. During the war in 1945, she was seriously wounded and ended up in a French hospital. Anticipating that she might die that night, she asked the nurses to call Father John. But since the hospital was locked in the evening, she was refused. In addition, there was also a strong storm that night. But the woman did not give up hope and called him. Suddenly, at about 11 o'clock at night, the bishop appeared in the ward. She couldn't believe her eyes. He prayed and gave her communion. After that she calmed down and fell asleep. In the morning she felt much better. She told others about what had happened, but they did not believe her, since the hospital was locked for the night. But her roommate confirmed her words. In addition, under Anna Petrovna’s pillow they found a twenty dollar bill, which was evidence of such an incredible incident.
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These are just some of the miracles that the wonderworker John of Shanghai and San Francisco performed with his prayers.
Relics of John of Shanghai
Most often, to enhance the miraculous effect, it is recommended to visit those holy places where the relics of the Saints are preserved. This is how the relics of Archbishop John are kept in San Francisco. An unquenchable lamp and a large number of candles are constantly burning next to them. And even after his death, Bishop John asks the Lord for his entire Orthodox Church, as well as for peace in the Heavenly Church.
He was buried in the cathedral he built, in a tomb. The relics have not yet decayed and are in the public domain. They were examined by the canonization commission and noted that they have many similarities with the relics that are located in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and other monasteries.
It is noted that inexplicable miracles occur near the relics, which heal and help solve some everyday matters. Those praying noted that John the Wonderworker was a quick helper in everyday troubles and illnesses.
