The assistant bishop to the Archdiocese of Timisoara, Paisie of Lugoj, concelebrated at the Divine Liturgy held at the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco marking the 25th anniversary of the canonization of St John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle-worker.
Heading the June 29 festivities was His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR).
After the service, a moleben to St John was performed, followed by a cross procession around the cathedral.
The archpastors, clergymen and worshipers then shared a festive banquet at San Francisco’s Russian Center, sharing memories of the holy man and his life and miracles.
Saint John of Shanghai is one of the greatest saints of our times, as the ever-memorable Bishop Alexander (Mileant) said in his account of the Saint’s life. Few 20th century Saints are so beloved and universally venerated by all across the entire Orthodox world, transcending ethnic boundaries, while still intrinsically associated with Holy Rus’.
His life is one which also attests to the unity of the Russian Church, emphasizing how it is more than simply the church on the territory of the modern Russian Federation, but a Church which actively serves the faithful in many lands near and far, spreading its mission and the Gospel of Christ to the farthest reaches of the earth.
St John Maximovitch was glorified on July 2, 1994.
Photography courtesy of ROCOR
