Some time ago my daughter developed an unsightly planter's wart on the side of her foot. It was in such a place that it hurt and became irritated when she wore shoes. Apparently the only way to be rid of it is either to have it burned off or cut off with a razor blade. We live pretty well in the country and at that time I had no transportation to go to the doctor. We therefore decided to anoint her foot with holy oil from Blessed John's sepulchre and I suggested that she read a canon to him for three days, which she did. After the third day the wart had completely disappeared; all that remained was a faint white circle where it once had been.
Then, one night not long ago, our three-year-old Alexander awoke about eleven o'clock crying bitterly with an earache. I myself had been up the night before with illness as well as being extremely run down from lack of sleep. I thought of anointing his ear with holy oil from Blessed Vladika John, but much to my shame I felt that I had not the faith to ask for his intercession with "nothing wavering," as the Holy Scripture bids us. So we continued most of the night, he crying and I not knowing how to console him. I gave him eardrops, Tylenol, warmth, etc., but nothing would help the poor little boy. Finally, in desperation — it was now about four in the morning — I prayed, "Please, Blessed Vladika John, help Alexander. You help so many others, and I promise I will write to Father Peter." I fetched the holy oil from the main icon corner and anointed his ear. The moment I did so the child gave a sigh of relief and lay down and went to sleep.
Something remarkable has also occurred with his behavior since that night. He used to be so hyperactive and would not listen, but now, still lively as ever, he actually listens and tries to obey. He himself asked me, "Please Mama, ask God to help me," and he prays for this himself.
Glory be to our God who is glorious in His saints…
Katherine Doll, British Columbia, Canada