honoring saint john's legacy
"While concerning oneself with the salvation of men's souls, one needs to remember that people also have bodily needs which declare their presence. One cannot preach the Gospel without manifesting love in one's deeds."
-Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco
30th Anniversary Celebration of the Canonization of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Wonderworker
Saturday, June 29, 2024
On occasion of this 30th Anniversary and with the blessing of His Eminence, the Most Reverend KYRILL, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, we honor Saint John's legacy at a special Luncheon.
For the glory of God, Holy Virgin Community of San Francisco invites all hierarchs, archpastors, clergy, altar servers, choir singers, church laborers, pilgrims and faithful - our brothers and sisters in Christ - to join us in remembering Saint John's life and works in an uplifting atmosphere inspiring generosity and giving to causes dedicated to his mission:
For the glory of God, Holy Virgin Community of San Francisco invites all hierarchs, archpastors, clergy, altar servers, choir singers, church laborers, pilgrims and faithful - our brothers and sisters in Christ - to join us in remembering Saint John's life and works in an uplifting atmosphere inspiring generosity and giving to causes dedicated to his mission:
Location
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
Date & Time
Saturday, June 29, 2024
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
All ages welcome.
Advance registration required.
No tickets sold at the door.
Advance registration required.
No tickets sold at the door.
benefitting
Ministries in St. John's Holy Memory
and St. John Benevelont Fund
Ministries in St. John's Holy Memory
and St. John Benevelont Fund
Advance registration is required for all guests. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.
Children's menu, special pricing and table activities for children age 12 and under.
Registrations are received on a first come basis, until capacity is reached.
All registrations must be be received no later than June 10, 2024.
Children's menu, special pricing and table activities for children age 12 and under.
Registrations are received on a first come basis, until capacity is reached.
All registrations must be be received no later than June 10, 2024.
Guest Speaker
St. John Benevolent Fund
St. John Benevolent Fund
Saint John with a young Father Elias Wen (later Protopresbyter) and altar boys in Shanghai, China.
Established in 1951 with Saint John's blessing, the Benevolent Fund continues today to uphold Saint John's legacy to care for
those with lack of means and provide assistance to orphans, disabled and destitute children, and indigent elderly.
those with lack of means and provide assistance to orphans, disabled and destitute children, and indigent elderly.
Schedule of Cathedral Services
All services surrounding the Feast Day of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco to be held at Holy Virgin Cathedral - Joy of All Who Sorrow in San Francisco. Please visit sfsobor.com for visitor information and updates.
THUR 6/27
FRI 6/28
SAT 6/29
5:00 pm Daily Vespers & Matins
6:45 pm Transfer of Reliquary to center of cathedral
7:00 pm AKATHIST to St. John before his relics
6:45 pm Transfer of Reliquary to center of cathedral
7:00 pm AKATHIST to St. John before his relics
5:00 pm Confessions
6:00 pm Vigil - ST. JOHN
6:00 pm Vigil - ST. JOHN
6:30 am Early Liturgy
9:00 am Hierarchal Liturgy - ST. JOHN (Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch, presiding)
9:00 am Hierarchal Liturgy - ST. JOHN (Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch, presiding)
Canonization of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, 1994. Photo Credit: Helen Sinelnikoff-Nowak
Kursk Icon
The "Kursk-Root" Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God,
Directress of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia,
is awaited in San Francisco for St. John's Feast Day services.
It was during the Kursk-Root Icon's visit to Seattle
that Holy Hierarch John reposed on July 2, 1966,
while praying before the Kursk Icon.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Directress of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia,
is awaited in San Francisco for St. John's Feast Day services.
It was during the Kursk-Root Icon's visit to Seattle
that Holy Hierarch John reposed on July 2, 1966,
while praying before the Kursk Icon.
O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Consecration, 2014. Photo Credit: Reader Nicholas Zaharov
Holy Virgin Community of San Francisco
congratulates His Eminence, Metropolitan NICHOLAS,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia,
on the
congratulates His Eminence, Metropolitan NICHOLAS,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia,
on the
10th Anniversary of the
Consecration to the Episcopate
of Metropolitan NICHOLAS
of Metropolitan NICHOLAS
Metropolitan Hilarian, of blessed memory, led the Consecration
during Divine Liturgy on June 29, 2014, the Feast Day of
St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco,
at the Holy Virgin Cathedral - Joy of All Who Sorrow,
amid the festive celebrations dedicated to the
20th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. John.
May God grant His Eminence,
our beloved Metropolitan NICHOLAS,
many years on the occasion of his anniversary.
Eis polla eti, Despota!
remembering Saint John's
dedication to his flock
dedication to his flock
"Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."
- Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, quoting Matthew 20:26-27
Reunion of Saint John's Altar Servers
Those who served him in Life. At 1994 Canonization. And Now.
Saint John is remembered for many virtues, not least of which is his devoted attention to his flock and, especially, his altar servers.
What a wonderful opportunity this 30th Anniversary is to gather Saint John's altar servers for a reunion in his memory:
- altar boys who served with Saint John during his lifetime,
- the many who served during his canonization services in July 1994, and
- altar servers presently serving regularly before his holy relics.
This Luncheon and Afternoon of Giving would only reach its fullness if Saint John's "prisluzhniki" gather around Vladyka (as he was simply and affectionately known). Please contact us if you were one of Saint John's altar servers as described above, and have not yet received personal outreach from our committee.
What a wonderful opportunity this 30th Anniversary is to gather Saint John's altar servers for a reunion in his memory:
- altar boys who served with Saint John during his lifetime,
- the many who served during his canonization services in July 1994, and
- altar servers presently serving regularly before his holy relics.
This Luncheon and Afternoon of Giving would only reach its fullness if Saint John's "prisluzhniki" gather around Vladyka (as he was simply and affectionately known). Please contact us if you were one of Saint John's altar servers as described above, and have not yet received personal outreach from our committee.
Luncheon Schedule
sat 6/29
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
1:00 pm
Cocktail Reception
Room of the Dons
Passed hors d'oeuvres and a selection of wine, beer and spirits (no-host bar) in a rich and unique space depicting early California.
2:00 pm
Welcome
Lobby Terrace
Guests will proceed to the Lobby Terrace, where they will find their escort card directing them to their table.
2:30 pm
Luncheon & Program
Peacock Court
Three-course lunch with wine in the grand ballroom, which inspires comparisons to St. Petersburg, Russia and Faberge jewel box.
Opening Prayer
30th Anniversary Welcome Address
10th Anniversary Congratulatory Remarks to Metropolitan Nicholas
Reunion of St. John's Altar Servers
Premiere Showing - Short Documentary Film about St. John
Guest Speaker - St. John Benevolent Fund
4:45 pm
Closing Remarks and Prayer
Sponsors and Patrons Assemble for Group Photo
Saint John's Altar Servers Assemble for Reunion Photo
Sponsors and Patrons Assemble for Group Photo
Saint John's Altar Servers Assemble for Reunion Photo
Transportation and Parking Information
Guests are encouraged to rideshare with loved ones, use ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, or take public transportation. At the Luncheon, guests are urged to enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation - please do not drink and drive. A hotel courtesy room block has been reserved for added convenience.
Holy Virgin Cathedral
Street parking only, metered and non-metered.
Mark Hopkins Hotel
Hotel Valet: valet parking is available at the Mark Hopkins for our Luncheon guests at a Discounted Day-Only rate of $40 flat rate (regularly $75 plus tax), based on availability.
Public Garages: there are a number of public garages within a one-block and two-block radius of the Mark Hopkins. Locations and most recent posted fares:
Crocker Garage at 1045 California Street, $67
Masonic Garage at 1111 California Street, $40
Fairmont Hotel at 815 Powell Street, $45
Grace Cathedral at 1051 Taylor Street, $45
Valet Garage at 750 Bush Street, $30
Crocker Garage at 1045 California Street, $67
Masonic Garage at 1111 California Street, $40
Fairmont Hotel at 815 Powell Street, $45
Grace Cathedral at 1051 Taylor Street, $45
Valet Garage at 750 Bush Street, $30
Subway: Powell BART station. Visit BART for routes and schedules.
Bus: SF Muni No. 1 California bus line. From Holy Virgin Cathedral to the Mark Hopkins, walk to bus stop at California and 25th Ave., ride the No. 1 California and exit at Clay and Mason (two blocks from Mark Hopkins). For the return trip back to the Cathedral, bus stop is at Sacramento and Sproule Lane. Buses run every 10 minutes on Saturdays. Visit SFMTA Muni for routes and schedules.
Hotel Accommodations - St. John of Shanghai Room Block
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco has graciously reserved a special courtesy room block for our community in connection with the services and celebrations surrounding the 30th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint John. Discounted guestroom rates for our group starting at $199 per night, discounted overnight valet parking of $60 plus tax, and waived Nob Hill Destination Fees. Please book using button link below or call hotel directly and mention the St. John of Shanghai Room Block.
Lobby and Registration Desk at InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. Photo Courtesy of ICMHG.
Experience sophisticated comfort in the elegant guest room sand suites of this historic hotel. Their spacious and modernized rooms offer luxurious linens and convenient features. All rooms and suites boast magnificent views of Nob Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, and San Francisco skyline.
Room Block Name: St. John of Shanghai Room Block
June 25, 2024 - July 3, 2024
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
June 25, 2024 - July 3, 2024
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
Book a Reservation +1 800 602 4455
Contact Front Desk +1 415 392 3434
Contact Front Desk +1 415 392 3434
Contact Us
General questions about the event or requests for special accommodations may be submitted using this online form or by email directed to [email protected].
Questions about sponsorship opportunities, including event sponsorship and ticket sponsorship, may be directed to [email protected].
General donations to Holy Virgin Community of San Francisco in support of its ministries in Saint John's holy memory may be made here.
The Holy Virgin Community of San Francisco is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID #94-1254639. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult a tax professional.
Acknowledgments
The Luncheon and Afternoon of Giving is possible thanks in part to the generous support of
the Western American Diocese (ROCOR), Holy Virgin Cathedral Sisterhood, and St. John Kronstadt Health Care Center.
Special thanks also to the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco and with tremendous gratitude to
Sasha Krassovsky, Wedding Specialist & Senior Catering Manager.
the Western American Diocese (ROCOR), Holy Virgin Cathedral Sisterhood, and St. John Kronstadt Health Care Center.
Special thanks also to the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco and with tremendous gratitude to
Sasha Krassovsky, Wedding Specialist & Senior Catering Manager.
O Holy Hierarch Father John, pray to God for us!
St. John logo used with kind permission from Archpriest Peter Perekrestov (copyright)
Join us June 29, 2024
Thank you for your support in honoring Saint John's legacy and helping make the 30th Anniversary Luncheon and Afternoon of Giving a meaningful celebration. We look forward to hosting you!
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Force Majeure
This event is subject to change.
Please consider underwriting your support if an in-person event is not possible due to
unforeseen circumstances. If for any reason you are unable to attend the event
after your purchase, we thank you for your support as a donation.
Please consider underwriting your support if an in-person event is not possible due to
unforeseen circumstances. If for any reason you are unable to attend the event
after your purchase, we thank you for your support as a donation.