The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia has had the blessing of having had several great saints among its hierarchs and other clergy. One of the greatest of these undoubtedly was Vladyka John. As stated in the church hymns of many saints, truly his memory has gone throughout the world.
Upon deciding for his canonization, our bishops decided to establish his feast day on the Saturday closest to the day of his repose, which was on the feast of the Apostle Jude (July 2 – New Style). This gives the faithful more of a chance to participate in this much-beloved feast. Thus this year, we have celebrated the memory of Vladyka John on Saturday, July 4th (New Style).
His Grace Bishop Luke, abbot of the monastery, concelebrated the Divine Liturgy, together with the monastery and seminary clergy and guest clergy, after having presided at the Polyleos at the All-Night Vigil the evening before. Among the faithful were a number of youths, participating in our annual “Summer Boys Program,” together with their parents.
Regarding the “Summer Boys,” it is interesting to note that they come from many different backgrounds, from divers ethnic groups and even countries. St. John stated in a church council in the 1930’s, that one of the main purposes of the Russian Diaspora and its Church Abroad was to spread Orthodoxy all over the world, to all countries in which it found itself.
We see this now, before our eyes, how people in many different countries are coming to the Orthodox Church, in Asia, Africa, South America, and in our own United States and Canada.
