Saint John Maximovitch, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, was born on June 4, 1896, in Adamovka in the Kharkiv province. His baptismal name was Michael. From his youth he showed deep piety and a serious love for the things of God. After the revolution, his family left their homeland and settled in Yugoslavia.
In 1926 he was tonsured a monk with the name John. In 1934 he was consecrated bishop and assigned to Shanghai. There he became a father to the poor, the orphaned, and the displaced. He built churches, hospitals, and orphanages, served the daily cycle of services, and visited the sick with the Holy Gifts.
Saint John later served in Western Europe and in the United States, especially in San Francisco. He was known for unceasing prayer, humility, pastoral courage, and great love for the Mother of God. He reposed on July 2, 1966, in Seattle while accompanying the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God.
Saint John teaches us that true pastoral love is active: prayer, mercy, care for the sick, and service to the unity of the Church. His memory is celebrated on June 19 Old Style / July 2 New Style.
Source: Orthodox Church in America