St John Maximovitch
“For a man’s complete sanctification, the body of the servant of the Lord must be united with the Body of Christ, and this is accomplished in the Mystery of Holy Communion. The true Body and the true Blood of Christ which we receive become part of the great Body of Christ.
Of course, for union with Christ, the mere conjoining of our body with the Body of Christ does not suffice. The consumption of the Body of Christ becomes beneficial when in spirit we strive towards Him and unite ourselves with Him. Receiving the Body of Christ, while turning away from Him in spirit, is like the contact with Christ which they had who struck Him and mocked and crucified Him. Their contact with Him served not for their salvation and healing, but for their condemnation.
But those who partake with piety, love and readiness to serve Him, closely unite themselves with Him and become instruments of His Divine will.”
Feast Day Celebrated July 2nd
St John Maximovitch is a beloved saint celebrated throughout the world, and we would consider him to be a modern-day saint as he was canonized into the Orthodox Church in 1994 in San Fransisco, California, USA by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.
In this guide you’ll find simple and easy ideas to celebrate the the Feast of St John Maximovitch as a family - emphasis on easy! Activity suggestions, book recommendations, song links, and additional information so you can share his story and what this feast is all about!
Scroll to learn more about St John Maximovitch and find activity and reading suggestions to celebrate this feast with your family!
Life of St John of San Francisco - Born in southern Russia on June 4, 1896 to well-off parents, John Maximovitch (baptized “Michael”) was a frail boy who loved to study. In spite of the fact that he was born with one leg shorter than the other and had a speech impediment, young Michael pursued his journey with determination and faith. Throughout his growing up years, Michael was exposed to true holiness as his family attended church regularly and took him to visit holy icons and the relics of holy people. These experiences had a profound and lasting impact on his life. Although exiled from his homeland due to the Bolshevik revolutionaries, he became a Russian Cadet, and then monk, seminary teacher and, eventually, Archbishop John of Shanghai and San Francisco. John was a very humble man all of his life. A great man of prayer and tireless traveler to wherever his help was needed, Saint John Maximovitch performed many miracles on the five continents he crossed. His angelic life was a true comfort to people who were in need and in all kinds of pain. He helped the building of churches, hospitals, and orphanages and was intensely active, constantly praying and serving the daily cycle of services, while also visiting the sick with the Holy Gifts. He often would walk barefooted even in the coldest days. Yet to avoid the appearance of secular glory, he would pretend to act the fool. He gave generously to the needy and served the poor without a thought for his own needs. He was known for his asceticism and was also so close to God that he was endowed with the gift of clairvoyance, and there were healings by his prayers. He reposed July 2nd 1966 at the age of 70 years old.
Fun Facts: His relics were transferred from the burial-vault beneath the church into the very Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos, the "Joy of All Who Sorrow", in San Francisco, during the glorification of St. John in 1994. His relics are the only intact relics open for veneration in North America. Numerous pilgrims come from all over the world to pray at St. John's relics. On Saturday nights, before the Vigil, a moleben is chanted before the relics. This moleben is open to all. Oil from the continually burning lampada is sent globally to all those that seek St. John's assistance. The Liturgy is performed daily in the Cathedral and there is access during all services to the holy relics. You can find more information on how to obtain the oil and request prayers here.
The Many Names of St John:
You may have heard of him by another name. St John was well beloved all over the world, and he was Shepherd to many flocks as well. You may also know him by these names: Saint John the Wonderworker, St John Maximovitch, St John of San Francisco, or St John of Shanghai. All the same person!
Activity Ideas to Celebrate St John Maximovitch:
Rocky Road Granola Bars (See Below)
Make Russian Food (St John’s Favorite Food) - Since St John is a relatively recent Saint, we actually know what his favorite food is! Isn’t that super cool? We know his favorite food is a Russian dish called Vareniki and Cabbage. Think of it as a dumpling, except it has sauerkraut (cabbage) and onions inside. There are a lot of variations out there. The Vareniki's filling can be very different: potato, cabbage, potato and meat, potato and pork, sweet or salted curd, pumpkin, cherries and so on. The filling is warped up in dough and cooked for five minutes or less. Vareniki are usually served with sour cream.but here is a recipe from Ukraine Food Blog for one that doesn’t require a mold to make.
Make Rocky Road Granola Bars! Did you know that the Rocky Road Flavor (chocolate/marshmellows) was invented in San Francisco? Since St John Maximovitch was Archbishop there for many years, you and your family can make a yummy treat in his honor! If you have the 2021 Orthodox Children’s Calendar by Draw Near Designs , check out the April activity page for a yummy recipe!
Listen to a Concise Story of His Life for Kids in this 4 Minute Podcast on Ancient Faith: Saint of the Day
Browse Through Photographs of St John check out these actual photographs of St John Maximovitch!
Ask for his intercessions (prayers) - St John is known to be a powerful intercessor. You can find service, prayers and akathist to St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco through this link HERE
You can submit your names to be prayed Did you know that the Cathedral that St John established in San Francisco has weekly Moleben service for St John every Friday? You can provide a list of names of your relatives and friends that you wish to have commemorated at the weekly moleben service to Saint John in front of his relics. This can be done through the Church’s website - Click here at the Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral in San Francisco- where St John is buried. You can also request oil from the lampada there at the Cathedral.
Book Recommendations :
The Story of Holy Hierarch John Maximovitch the New Wonderworker Picture Book by Catalin Grigore
Saint John and Goolya by Tamara N Zaharek - Children will learn about St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco and his unusual friend - a pigeon named Goolya
DVD - Documentary on the life of St John of San Francisco - This documentary is the first of its kind on St John Maximovitch. Containing dozens of never before published photographs, and with interviews with many who knew St. John very well, this DVD is an inspiring and fitting tribute to this wonderworker who is loved by Orthodox Christians all over the world
Books For Older Kids/Teens:
Troparion to St John Maximovich (Tone 6)
“Glorious apostle to an age of coldness and unbelief, invested with the grace-filled power of the saints of old, divinely illumined seer of heavenly mysteries, feeder of orphans, hope of the hopeless, thou didst enkindle on earth the fire of love for Christ upon the dark eve of the day of judgement. Pray now that this sacred flame may also rise from our hearts.”
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Feast Days, I always prioritize 2 things: (1) Attending the service and (2) telling my children about the feast day prior - or afterwards. Usually this is done by showing them the icon or reading the account from their Children’s Bible. If I can do those two things, I feel a great sense of success! My hope is that these feasts days imprint on their hearts during their childhood and they have a greater love for our Savior as they grow up because of them. Now, if you are able to do those two things, you’re a gold star! Bravo! If you are in a season where you want to go a little deeper and make those connections stronger, I will cheer you on and encourage you on that venture. Some seasons allow for more, especially as children grow older. But if you find yourself in a busy season with littles, rest assured, you have many many years ahead to be able to add more to your plate!
Whatever you do, I pray the Lord blesses your efforts!
Blessed Feast, friends!
- Khouria Destinie
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St John Maximovitch is a beloved saint celebrated throughout the world, and we would consider him to be a modern-day saint as he was canonized into the Orthodox Church in 1994 in San Fransisco, California, USA by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. In this guide you’ll find simple and easy ideas to celebrate the the Feast of St John Maximovitch as a family - emphasis on easy! Activity suggestions, book recommendations, song links, and additional information so you can share his story and what this feast is all about!