Pskov Caves Monastery Marks 20 Years Since Elder John’s Repose

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PSKOV, RUSSIA — The Pskov Caves Monastery held memorial services on February 5 marking the 20th anniversary of the repose of Archimandrite John (Krestiankin), one of the most revered Russian elders of the past century. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metr. Matthew of Pskov with Bishop Barnabas of Veliky Luki and clergy from across the diocese, including spiritual children of Fr. John. Choirs from the monastery and the Archpastoral Choir of the monastery performed the hymns, while first-year seminary students received cassocks and fourth-year students were tonsured as readers.

Following the service, Met. Matthew delivered an archpastoral address, and a memorial service was held at the elder’s grave in the God-created caves. Archimandrite John, born in 1910, endured labor camps and persecution under Soviet authorities before serving at the Pskov Caves Monastery, where he became widely known as a spiritual elder and mentor to many, including Metr. Tikhon (Shevkunov).

Archimandrite Melchizedek (Artiukhin) stated: “I think that through his holy prayers, the radiant image of Father John, his counsel and instruction, will undoubtedly help us to make sense of difficult moments in our spiritual life, to find answers to the many questions that arise along our spiritual path. For his life, his spiritual experience, was tested by much labor, by many holy fathers, by a life of arduous monastic and priestly prayer. And through the prayers of Father John, thanks to his blessed memory and his spiritual experience, we hope that we too will find the right and true path toward the fulfillment of the holy commandments of Christ.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Canadian parish honored the Royal Martyrs with annual royal-days commemoration.

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