NEW YORK: 7 July 2025
Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York prayerfully marks the feast day of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco

On Saturday, 5 July, 2025, on the day of the global celebration of the memory of St John (Maximovich), the Miracle-worker of Shanghai and San Francisco, held in accordance with the tradition of the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the saint's passing, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York celebrated Divine Liturgy at the St Sergius Chapel at the Synodal residence in New York. Co-serving with the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia were Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Dean of the Synod Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign;” Priest Nicholas Kostur, Secretary of His Eminence Metropolitan Longin of New Gracanica-Chicago (Serbian Orthodox Church); Archpriest Vasily Zelenyuk and Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), with Protodeacon Sergei Arlievsky and a large gathering of worshipers.

In the altar, partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ was Archpriest Seraphim Gan, Chancellor of the Synod of Bishops and Secretary of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.

In his address at the end of the service, His Eminence noted that on every floor of the Synodal residence there hangs an icon of St John in memory of his long-term membership in the Synod itself, where he had his cell and frequently conducted services in both churches of the spiritual-administrative center in New York, fervently praying both personally and in church for his flock and for all who turned to him for help.

Then a meal was offered, shared by Metropolitan Nicholas, the clergy, and the pilgrims.