'The Aroma of Holiness' Premieres at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University

Photo: wadiocese.org

MOSCOW — The Russian premiere of the documentary The Aroma of Holiness, dedicated to St. John, the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, took place on Sunday, March 15, at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University, drawing a full house of 500 attendees, the Western American Diocese of ROCOR reported.

Directed by Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, Dean of Holy Virgin Cathedral in San Francisco, the film had its general premiere in Los Angeles in October 2024 and subsequently traveled to Poland, Switzerland, France, and North American ROCOR parishes. Fr. Peter spent over a decade compiling material from public and private archives, describing the film as an “icon in motion” that presents only St. John’s words and teachings, rare photographs, footage of contemporary saints, and over 14 minutes of St. John himself.

The premiere was attended by His Grace Bp. Theodosius of Manhattan, who shared personal reflections and recounted miracles associated with St. John. Following the screening, Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov, President of St. Tikhon Orthodox University, highlighted the legacy of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, and attendees venerated a new icon of St. John containing one of his relics. A second screening the next day at Sretensky Theological Seminary accompanied the release of Fr. Peter’s memoir collection Pastor. Teacher. Friend.

Previously, the UOJ reported that record crowds gathered to honor St. John.

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