The original Russian edition of this book, Archbishop John: Archpastor, Man of Prayer and Ascetic, was published in 1991, to coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the hierarch's blessed repose. Since that time, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad decreed that Archbishop John be glorified as a saint. It seemed fitting to reflect this official recognition of his sanctity in giving a new title to this English-language edition, which goes to press on the eve of this eagerly-awaited event, scheduled to take place June 19/July 2,1994.
In preparation for the glorification, a special Commission was appointed to examine the remains of the holy hierarchy which were laid to rest in a small crypt-chapel beneath the Cathedral of the Mother of God, "Joy of All Who Sorrow," in San Francisco. The report of the Commission's findings, made in October 1993, has been added to this edition as an appendix.
The fact that Archbishop John's relics were found to be incorrupt, the fact that he is soon to be glorified only confirms the opinion of thousands of people who already venerate him as a saint. (The act of glorification, as Archbishop John himself wrote, does not make a saint; it merely confirms his sanctity: "The righteous [become] saints not through any decree of the earthly ecclesiastical authority, but by the mercy and grace of God.") A majority of these people — who are not only Russians but Americans, Serbs, Greeks, French, and others — became acquainted with Archbishop John only after his lifetime, many through personal experience of his power of prayer. It is only natural that with such veneration should come the desire to know as much as possible about this extraordinary God-pleaser. While numerous articles have appeared in the years since his repose, a comprehensive biography has yet to be written. The late Bishop Savva of Edmonton collected materials for a Life, and these were adapted in 1979 under the title Blessed John, but this was still, in the words of the editors, simply "a preliminary sketch." Additional materials in a second, considerably expanded edition (1987) emphasize Archbishop John as a wonderworker, a fool-for-Christ, something of a maverick, who was often misunderstood and slandered. In compiling materials for this present volume, an effort was made not only to avoid duplicating what has already been published, but to present a balanced, truthful portrait. Here is a similar composite of reminiscences and miracles — materials about Archbishop John — to which have been added sermons and decrees written by him, showing him as a theologian and hierarch of the Church, "rightly dividing the word of truth"; one who was guided by the law of love while holding firmly to the traditions and discipline of the Church. As a framework for the reminiscences, which touch on all but the earliest period of the Saint's life, a brief chronology has been added. For those unfamiliar with Orthodox terminology, a glossary is also included.
Although scheduled to have been published soon after the Russian edition, the delayed appearance of this English translation appropriately coincides with the Bicentennial commemoration of the Russian Orthodox Mission to America. Archbishop John was not a missionary in the classic sense; his activity was concentrated in shepherding his Russian flock. But wherever he went — Serbia, China, Europe, America — his personal holiness attracted thirsty souls like a spiritual magnet. In introducing its readers to a new or deeper acquaintance with this luminous archpastor, ascetic, and man of prayer, may this volume also serve as a missionary tool, inspiring a desire for those spiritual treasures of Orthodox Christianity, which Saint John so amply possessed and so generously manifests even now, years after his repose.
The Shanghai cathedral, "Surety of Sinners," today a stock exchange.
Chronology
1896 Born June 4 in Kharkov, southern Russia, to parents Boris and Glafira.
Baptized Michael.
1907-1914 Student at the Poltava Cadet Corps. 1914 Attends Kharkov Law School.
1921-1925 Belgrade Theological Seminary.
1924 Ordained reader by Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky).
1925-1927 Instructor of religion at Serbian State High School.
1926 Tonsured a monk at Milkovo Monastery, with the name John.
In November, ordained hieromonk.
1929-1934 Teacher in Bitol Theological Seminary.
1934 Consecrated Bishop by Metropolitan Anthony (May 28); arrives in Shanghai (November 21), where he remains until the end of World War II.
1946 Raised to the rank of Archbishop.
1949 Comes to America to arrange for the immigration of his flock, which finds temporary refuge on the Philippine island of Tubabao.
1950 Becomes head of the Western European Diocese with his see first in Paris, then in Brussels.
1962 Appointed Archbishop of Western America and San Francisco; arrives November 21.
1966 Reposed in Seattle (June 19/July 2).