Icon of Saint John of Kronstadt – S294

Description

Saint John (1829-1908) was a great wonder-worker near our own times.  He was born in the Arkangelsk region and had difficulties in school until by God’s Providence and his earnest prayer, his mind was opened and he was made brilliant, finishing high in the theological academy in Saint Petersburg.  Saint John wished to be a monastic and missionary, but was shown in a vision that he was to be a married priest in Kronstadt, the port town of Saint Petersburg.

He arrived at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral in 1855, married, and was made assistant pastor, later becoming its chief pastor.  Ardent in prayer, providing for the poor, teaching the faith, setting up workhouses to teach trades, taking care of orphans, strangers, and all those in need, Saint John was known to be close to all who came to him.  He manifested great miracle-working power which was well-known all over Russia, and people came from far and wide to see him and be guided by him.  He served Divine Liturgy every day, and thousands came to confess their sins and receive the Holy Mysteries.  He was clairvoyant,  foretelling the imminent fall of Russia into godlessness, which came nine years after his death.