On Thursday, July 2, the feast of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco, clergy of the Eastern American Diocese celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY.

Officiating the service was parish dean, Archimandrite Gabriel (Pigarev), co-served by Archpriests Serge Lukianov (dean of New Jersey), Petro Kunitsky (parish cleric), Vasily Zelenyuk (rector of Our Lady "Unexpected Joy" Church on in Staten Island, NY), Deacon Eugene Grigoriak (parish cleric), and visitin.

Parishioners and believers from other churches in the city and neighboring states gathered to pray at the service on the feast of the holy hierarch. Saint John (Maximovich) was known and highly revered throughout the world. Even in Paris, the conductor on the platform would not signal the train’s departure because "the Russian archbishop has not arrived yet!"

He was known in hospitals across Europe and America as the bishop who would pray at a patient’s deathbed, even if it lasted all night. He was called upon to pray for the gravely ill, whether Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox, because the Lord responded to his prayers with mercy and compassion.

He reposed on July 2 after celebrating Divine Liturgy, departing for the next world with a prayer. "We no longer have a priest," resounded throughout the world. "I no longer have a spiritual father, and I never will again – at least not one like him, who called me in the middle of the night to say, ‘Go to sleep, because everything you ask the Lord for will happen.’"

The faithful also came to congratulate parish cleric Archpriest Petro Kunitsky on his 70th birthday. Many remember how Fr. Petro arrived from Ukraine more than 10 years ago, and with his patience, hard work, humility, love of prayer and people, and his beaming smile, he earned the love of the church’s faithful and those whom he baptized, married, and helped with heartfelt prayer, kind words, and consolation during difficult times.

Fr. Gabriel drew the attention of the gathered faithful to a remarkable and magnificently decorated icon of St. John of Shanghai, as well as a piece of his relics, which Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York presented to the parish. Now, the relic will grace the church and serve as a reminder of the good archpastor who hastens to help us all.

Addressing Fr. Petro, Fr. Gabriel said, "To be born on the feast day of such a great saint of God means to live your entire life under his holy omophorion." He conveyed greetings and congratulatory messages from Metropolitan Nicholas, who was visiting the relics of St. John in San Francisco that day, wishing the celebrant good health and a constant desire for service. He also conveyed greetings from Archpriest Alexandre Antchoutine (dean of New York City).

Fr. Gabriel presented Fr. Petro a cross, which is the guarantee of life continuing not only on earth, but also in Heaven. This cross is called the "Good Shepherd." It is a symbolic depiction of Jesus Christ as a shepherd saving a lost soul. The sheep symbolize believers, and the one on His shoulders represents a fallen soul, which the Lord will return to the light.

"You do the same for each of us," Fr. Gabriel said. "The cross has accompanied you throughout your life, beginning with your formation as a husband, priest, and pastor. And this life of yours is marked by a kind, excellent character. Many love you, respect you, and consider you a high spiritual authority. And you have demonstrated this through your life, your prayers, and your help to us all."

Fr. Serge Lukianov, congratulating Fr. Petro on his anniversary, presented him with a jeweled cross and also shared his memories of St. John:

"I remember that day well, the phone call when Mama and Papa heard that their bishop and friend had passed away. And the entire church, the entire universe, was grieving. Vladyka was not old yet, but he had labored so much in his life, prayed so much, and had slept so little, that his legs were already bloody wounds. He told no one about it and continued to pray, preach, and love our Lord Jesus Christ.

"It was a great honor for me when Vladyka came to our home in Sea Cliff. He knew my father, Fr. Valery, who was born in Shanghai, served with Vladyka, and ended up on Tubabao Island with him and thousands of Russian refugees. The people did not know what would happen to them. And Vladyka was with them, fearing nothing. For two years, they lived in terrible heat, wondering what fate awaited them.

“A hurricane was approaching. The bishop gathered the people, raised the cross, and walked barefoot into the ocean. He blessed the ocean three times with the holy cross, and everyone sang, ‘Save, O Lord, Thy people.’ The hurricane turned and went in the other direction – everyone was saved. Such was the bishop’s faith, such was his prayer!

"And when Vladyka received the papers to come to America, he went to Washington, sat on the stairs, and said, ‘Let me in, I need to tell the congressmen something.’ And there he was, dressed in black, not speaking a single word of English, speaking through an interpreter about the people living in terrible conditions on Tubabao. He asked for help, to let them into America. And they were let into America – to both the West and East Coasts! That is the kind of prayerful inrercesaor we had, and still have. Because he is alive!"

Fr. Petro’s childhood friends also came to congratulate him.

The parish sisterhood prepared a wonderful meal, during which many warm words were spoken about Fr. Petro, who was born under the protection of a saint beloved throughout the Orthodox world. Fr . Petro himself spoke about his path to the priesthood – he will soon mark 30 years of service at altar.