Saint John was born in 1871 in the Ryazan region of the Russian Empire. His father was a priest, and John followed in his footsteps, attending seminary. After marrying his wife, he was ordained a priest at the young age of 24.
Having expressed interest in missionary work, he was transferred to the United States, under the jurisdiction of Saint Tikhon, and became the first permanent priest at the Church of St. Vladimir in Chicago. (This parish would later become Holy Trinity Cathedral.) His first project was to secure funds and oversee the construction of the permanent church building, which was completed in 1903.
Father John worked throughout the Chicago area and the United States to establish other parishes and give aid to immigrants. He translated liturgical texts into English, foreseeing a time when English-speaking Americans would enter the Orthodox Church.
In 1907 he was transferred to Estonia, where he focused his efforts on catechism and the instruction of school-aged children. In 1916 he was transferred to a parish outside St. Petersburg, where his preaching inspired the local people in their faith.
When the Bolshevik Revolution began in October 1917, Father John led large processions and prayers for peace. His efforts attracted the attention of the Bolsheviks, and on October 31, 1917 (Old Style; November 13 New Style) he was taken away and summarily executed. Thus he became the first Hieromartyr (Priest-Martyr) of the atheist regime.
Saint John was glorified in December 1994 as the first of many New-Martyrs of the 20th century. His feast day is celebrated on October 31st.
Shipping
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations. Also note that we ship international orders DDU. Click here to learn more about shipping.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please note that our icons and some other items are hand-crafted and made-to-order. Allow time for production. Please visit our Shipping FAQ page for more information.
Return Policy
We allow returns for many of our items, but restrictions apply. Please visit our Return Policy page for more information.
Customers Also Viewed
'Smokeless' Incense Burner
This amazing candle incense burner features a compact and simple design, exclusively from Legacy Icons. Combine the gentle fragrance of your favorite incense and gentle glow of candle light as you...
Easter Egg Wraps
These beautiful plastic wraps snugly shrink to fit your eggs as you boil them, resulting in a painted effect that everyone is sure to love. Each design theme includes 7 different wraps...
The Supper at Emmaus (Athos) Icon - F240
After the Resurrection, Christ met Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus. They did not recognize His resurrected body, and they invited Him to come and eat with them. At the table, Christ broke...
Saint Ignatius Orthodox Press
The Holy Apostle
The Holy Apostle, also known as the Apostolos, Apostol, or Epistle Book, contains the full text of the Book of Acts and the Pauline and Catholic Epistles, marked according to liturgical use in the...
Little Saints Resurrection Playset
A delightful set of maple wooden block figures, capturing the joy of the Resurrection with printed designs based on traditional Eastern Christian iconography. This playset depicts the scene at the...
Deluxe 'Smokeless' Incense Burner
With this amazing candle incense burner, exclusively from Legacy Icons, combine the gentle fragrance of your favorite incense and the gentle glow of candle light as you offer your prayers to God...
The Last Judgment (Bamberg) Icon - F288
Then I saw a great white throne and the one who sat on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the...
12 Month Calendar (Menaion) Icon - F263
This breathtaking icon features the major saint(s) commemorated each day, for every day of the year. With nearly 1000 saints featured, you will be astonished when you see it. The centerpiece is...
Top 10 Incense Favorites
This collection includes our customers' top 10 all-time favorite incenses, with a selection of bold, sweet, and gentle fragrances. These high-quality incenses will fill your church or home with...
Cross of Golgotha - W107
The Cross of Golgotha is an elaboration on the symbol of the Cross, and is especially common in Orthodox monasticism. The meaning of the text is as follows (from top to bottom): The King of...
Home Size Charcoal
Ideal for use at home, in smaller spaces, and in shorter church services, each roll of Home Size Charcoal contains seven 22mm tablets. Tablets light quickly and last for 25-30 minutes, or for home...
Pocket Psalter
The Pocket Psalter is a must-have for your daily prayer. This popular translation of the Psalter by the monks of Holy Transfiguration Monastery is widely used in the English-speaking Orthodox Church...