St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
Born Michael Maximovitch in 1896 in the Kharkov province of the Russian Empire, St. John was consecrated a bishop of the Russian Church Abroad in 1934 and sent to Shanghai, where he shepherded refugees, founded an orphanage, and became famous for his severe asceticism and unceasing prayer.
He later served in Western Europe and, from 1962, as Archbishop of San Francisco, where he completed the Holy Virgin Cathedral. A wonderworker credited with countless healings both during his life and after, he reposed on July 2, 1966, while visiting Seattle, and was glorified in 1994; his incorrupt relics rest in his San Francisco cathedral.
Holiness is not simply righteousness, for which the righteous are rewarded with blessedness in the Kingdom of God; rather, it is such a height of righteousness that people are so filled with the grace of God that it flows from them even upon those who associate with them.
Limitless and without consolation would have been our sorrow for close ones who are dying, if the Lord had not given us eternal life. Our life would be pointless if it ended with death.
Let us take care for those who have departed into the other world before us, in order to do for them all that we can, remembering that blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Troparion · Tone 5
Lo, thy care for thy flock in its sojourn prefigured the supplications which thou dost ever offer up for the whole world. Thus do we believe, having come to know thy love, O holy hierarch and wonderworker John. Wholly sanctified by God through the ministry of the all-pure Mysteries, and thyself ever strengthened thereby, thou didst hasten to the suffering, O most gladsome healer. Hasten now also to the aid of us who honor thee with all our heart.
Kontakion · Tone 4
Following Christ, the Chief Shepherd, thou wast shown to be most excellent among hierarchs; for thou didst save thy sheep from destruction by the godless, arranging a tranquil refuge for them; and exercising unceasing care for thy flock, thou didst heal the infirmities of their souls and bodies. Entreat Christ God now for us who fall down before thy precious relics, O father John, that our souls may be saved in peace.
Saints around July 2
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