MOSCOW: 19 March, 2026
A new book on St John of Shanghai is presented at Sretensky Theological Academy

On the evening of March 16, 202, a new book, Shepherd. Teacher. Friend: Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco in the Memories of Contemporaries, published by Moscow’s Sretensky Monastery, took place in their assembly hall. The book was presented by His Grace Bishop Theodosius (Ivashchenko) of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.

The author of the book is Fr Peter, who for many years served as the Dean of the Cathedral in of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA. This church was founded by Saint John (Maximovitch) when he led the San Francisco Diocese, and his holy relics also abide there. Records of the saint's conversations with his spiritual children and students, facts, and memories—materials that Fr Peter collected almost his entire life—were compiled into a book.

Bishop Theodosius is also an expert on the life of the saint. He was ordained as a bishop in the San Francisco Cathedral, and his ordination was attended by the spiritual children of St John – Bishop Michael (Donskoff) and Bishop Peter (Loukianoff). During the discussion, Fr Peter and the Vladyka Theodosius answered numerous questions about the saint and shared memories of him from contemporaries. The guests said that the holy hierarch was a friend to young people, showed special care for them and for children, arranged two shelters for them, and visited them frequently.

A notable and touching detail was that the saint would come to the children when they were already asleep and adjusted their blankets himself.

At the end of the meeting, Fr Peter autographed his monograph for those willing.

Sretensky Monastery