Holy Diocese of Chora: The Feast Day of Saint John the Russian at the Church of the Presentation of Our Lord, Coburg

The memory of Saint John the Russian was honoured with particular reverence in the Holy Diocese of Chora and in particular at the Holy Church of the Presentation of Our Lord in Coburg, where part of his sacred relics are kept.

On Monday evening, 26 May 2025, the Great Vespers took place, while on Tuesday, 27 May, the main day of the feast, the Matins and the festive Divine Liturgy followed, presided over by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.

During the Vespers service, His Grace noted: “Saint John held no office or fame; yet with his silent fortitude, his steadfast faith and his humility, he became a living image of Christ in the world. He calls us to remember that God blesses those who remain faithful even in obscurity.”

During the Divine Liturgy the next day, the homily of Bishop Evmenios focused on the message of holiness through simplicity: “The life of Saint John reveals that the path to holiness passes through daily sacrifice, obedience and deep faith. We do not need to be great before people; it is enough to be true before God.”

Finally, His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora conveyed the wishes and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all the congregation.