Blessed John the Wonderworker: A Preliminary Account of the Life and Miracles of Archbishop John Maximovitch

by Seraphim Rose, Abbot Herman

One of the most striking events in the Orthodox Church in recent years has been the extraordinary response to the remarkable life of the reposed leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archbishop John Maximovitch (1896-1966). He served the Church as bishop, first of Shanghai in the Far East, then of Western Europe, in Paris and Brussels, and finally of Western America in San Francisco. Manifesting many contrasting forms of sanctity, he was at once a God-inspired theologian and a "Fool-for-Christ," a zealous missionary leader and a feeder of the poor, a severe ascetic and a loving father to orphans. Like Moses, he delivered his flock from oppression, bringing it from communist China to the free world; like the first apostles, he was given power from God to heal wounded souls and ailing bodies. BLESSED JOHN THE WONDERWORKER offers abundant source materials on the life of this contemporary apostolic Church leader, a pictorial biography and the first verified collection of 100 personal testimonies of his sanctity. Focusing on God's presence, through the experience and impact of one man, this book provides a key for those seeking a life of true holiness in our times.

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality, Biography

477 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Seraphim Rose, born Eugene Dennis Rose, was a hieromonk of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in the United States, whose writings have helped spread Orthodox Christianity throughout modern America and the West. They have also been widely read in Russia. Although not formally canonized as of 2008, he is venerated by some Orthodox Christians as a saint in iconography, liturgy, and prayer.

Reviews

[Mihajlo Curcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for all of us who knew so little about this great Saint of modern times. May we have his protection.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant summary of the life of this great saint of our recent times

[Mother Seraphima · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of course, with St. John there are some wonderful miracles remembered. This book is mostly a compilation of many peoples' encounters with St. John or the miracles he worked both before and after his repose. It is difficult to piece together a comprehensive and flowing biography. If that is what you are looking for, this book is not recommended. But, if you are interested in the many miracles attributed to St. John, then this is quite an expansive collection.

[Nate Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hagiography of the life Saint John Maximovich of Shanghai and San Fransisco.