16,951
edits
Changes
link
Fr. John devoted much effort in aiding establishment of other parishes in the Chicago area. He performed the first service for the future Archangel Michael Orthodox Church in southwest Chicago. In the greater Chicago area he was active in the formation of the parishes in Madison, Streator, and Joliet, all in Illinois as well as aiding the parishes in Buffalo, New York and Hartshorn, Oklahoma.
In the social side of parish life he, with Fr. Alexis Toth, future St. [[Alexis of Wilkes -Barre]], were influential in the establishment of a major Orthodox mutual aid society that provided support for the many newly arrived emigrants. He also translated religious texts into English, looking to the time when church in America would consist of English speaking members. And, before his return to Russia Fr. John help organizing the first All-American Council that was held in Mayfield, Pennsylvania in 1907.
==Russia and Martyrdom==
