I am a [cradle] born Orthodox Christian of Greek descent, baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church.
It was only after joining the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad in 1969 that I heard of Archbishop John of blessed memory. I was told by members of my parish that he had reposed in Seattle, and I read two articles in the periodicals The Orthodox Word and Orthodox America of the good works he had done for those who were close to him during his life. But as far as I was concerned he was someone from the distant past. Until recently, I knew nothing of the many churches, monasteries, convents and orphanages he helped establish. Nor was I aware that the present Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Russian Orthodox Church in San Francisco was his home and served also as an orphanage in the early years of his coming to San Francisco from China. It never occurred to me that his spiritual presence would one day powerfully touch me. But in March of 1987, during Great Lent, there were two incidents.
First, my brother George, who lives in Texas, called to inform me he was undergoing surgery the following Tuesday for cancer of the kidney. I immediately called my daughter, who lives outside San Francisco, to ask Father Anastassy at Saint Tikhon Russian Orthodox Church to have prayers said for my brother's health. I then sat down and wrote a letter to Father Anastassy and explained in more detail my brother's illness. The memory of Blessed Archbishop John didn't even cross my mind.
Second, our local parish had been in such turmoil that for almost two years no one had been going to Confession and receiving Communion. Only a small number of us continued attending the Sunday and feast day services. On the Sunday of the Exaltation of the Cross, 1987, after Divine Liturgy, a Russian friend told me she had heard that a priest was coming to our parish to hear confessions and also give Communion to those who were not receiving from the local priest. I responded that I didn't believe rumors and besides, I would have to see it to believe it. While driving home I began musing. Was it possible that our beloved Bishop Nektary of blessed memory was trying to bring the congregation together? I soon dismissed the idea as wishful thinking.
That night, towards morning, I had a dream. Four hierarchs appeared. Among them I was surprised to recognize Archbishop John of blessed memory. His features were so clear, just like his photograph. He said nothing, but in his penetrating eyes I could almost read: "I've got your message; I'm doing something about it." I was so captivated by his presence that I did not pay attention to a voice introducing me to the other three hierarchs. When I finally tried to concentrate on what the voice was saying, the dream vanished and I woke up, stunned for a minute by the dream. In the morning, as I finished my prayers, I remembered that I had a copy of The Orthodox Word (1985) with an akathist to Blessed Archbishop John. I began to say the akathist, and at once burst into tears. I could almost feel his presence beside me. I finished by singing the Troparion in the Greek chant:
"Like a spiritual daystar in heaven's firmament, thou didst encompass the whole world and didst enlighten men's souls. Hence, thy name is glorified in the East and West, for thou shonest with the grace of the Sun of Righteousness, O John, our beloved shepherd. Wherefore, cease not to entreat Christ, that He may have mercy on our souls."
From that day I have continued to sing the Troparion every morning.
My brother George's surgery was successful. He is doing so well that he came and visited me in September, 1989. And before Pascha a priest came from Holy Trinity Monastery and confessed all those who so desired.
I learned a lesson in faith. Not to doubt, but to trust in our Lord Jesus Christ through His chosen servants…
Euphrosyne Beck, Summer, WA