Bishop Theodosy of Seattle's Epistle On the Occassion of the Presentetion of St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco's Relics to the Russian Orthodox Church's Communities in Beijing, Shanghai & Hong Kong

[October 17, 2008] Beloved in the Lord honorable clergy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church’s communities in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong – the God protected flock of the Chinese Orthodox Autonomous Church!

Today we celebrate the presentation of great God-pleaser’s, Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, holy relics to the Orthodox in China, the parishes in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

St. John began his archpastoral ministry in Shanghai. He labored unceasingly for the glory of God in order that the light of Christ’s Truth enlighten the people of China. He took great care to minister to the thousands of Russian refugees who found refuge in China.

Because of his love for God’s people, regardless of their nationality or the language they spoke, his selfless service, his zeal for God’s truth and his burning prayer, the Lord made him worthy of many gifts – the gifts of spiritual insight, miracles and discernment. During his lifetime he earned the respect and love of many people who knew him. After his repose his popularity and veneration was not only preserved by those who knew him personally, but grew among all Orthodox people who’s lives were blessed with countless miracles by the prayers and intercession of St. John. His holy relics are now at the Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco and are truly a source of spiritual comfort to those who come to them with faith and love.
The present state of the Chinese Autonomous Orthodox Church is critical. It lacks both archpastors and pastors and was significantly weakened during the years when services for its faithful could not be served in their fullness. This situation brings us much sorrow and we put our hope in St. John’s archpastoral intercessions before the throne of the Eternal Archpastor, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the flock of the Russian Church in China. May the presence of St. John’s relics in China serve to spiritually strengthen all the Orthodox people in China and for the revival of the Chinese Autonomous Orthodox Church.
I greet the beloved in Christ flock with today’s celebration. May St. John’s prayerful intercession be with you always. Amen.

† THEODOSY
Bishop of Seattle
October 10, 2008
San Francisco