July 2 is the anniversary of the repose of St John (Maximovich) of Shanghai & San Francisco, the Wonderworker. By decision of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in 1994, upon the uncovering of the relics of the great hierarch of the Russian Diaspora, his memory is marked on the closest Saturday to this date. The Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco, CA, hosted the celebrations on July 3-4, officiated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Friday, July 3, the All-Night Vigil was served with the litia and the magnification sung at the crypt containing the incorrupt relics of St. John.

On Saturday, July 4, the clergy of the Western American Diocese and Orthodox believers of San Francisco welcomed Metropolitan Nicholas, who presided over the celebration of Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America and Bishops Basil of San Francisco & the West (Orthodox Church in America), Spyridon of Chicago & Mid-America, James of Sonora, and Peter of Seattle.

The priests were led by Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko, who concelebrated with numerous clergy of the Western American Diocese and representatives of other Local Orthodox Churches.

The divine service was beautified by the prayerful singing of the cathedral choir under the direction of Vladimir Krassovsky.

Following Liturgy, a solemn procession took place around the cathedral.

After the procession, Metropolitan Nicholas presented Elena V. Olhovsky with the Synodal Women’s Order of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" in recognition of her many years of devoted service to the Church and in connection with the 60th anniversary of the blessed repose of St. John.

The festal day concluded with a fraternal meal lovingly prepared by the Cathedral Sisterhood.

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