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[[Image:Ioann tobolsky.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
Our father among the [[saint]]s '''John Maximovitch of Tobolsk''', [[Metropolitan]] of Tobolsk and All Siberia, was a pioneer in the development of higher theological education and publication in Russia. He was unpretentious and, as a [[missionary]] to the pagans of Siberia, endeared himself to his flock, preaching the word of God. He is remembered on [[June 10]].
== Life ==
Saint John was born John Maximovitch in 1651 in the city of Nezhin. He was the eldest of seven sons born to his father and mother, Maksim Vasilevich and Evphorosynia Maxsimovitch. He attended the [[Kiev Theological Academy|Kiev-Mohyla Collegium]]. After graduating with honors from the academy, he remained there as a teacher of Latin. In 1680, he entered the [[Monastery of the Kiev Caves|Kiev Caves Lavra]] where he was [[tonsure]]d a [[monk]] with the name John. Displaying a distinct ability in speaking, the brotherhood entrusted the young John with the obedience of preaching, as he revealed an exceptional talent of eloquence and graceful abilities in which he attached an especial significance to inward religious self-knowledge.
Upon assuming the cathedra of Chernigov, Bp. John organized, near his cathedral, a “Collegium” modeled after that of the Kiev academy. This school Bp. John intended to serve as an “Athens at Chernigov”, a school of pious enlightenment. The school became famous because of its high level of theological education, becoming the first [[seminary]] in Russia and the model for theological seminaries that opened in other [[diocese]]s of the Church of Russia. In time he also established a printing press to publish theological works.
==Piety==
[[Image:Religious procession with relics of St John of Tobolsk.jpg|right|thumb|Religious procession with relics of St John of Tobolsk, 1916.]]
Metr. John was noted as a quiet man who was unpretentious, considerate, sympathetic to the poor, and merciful. He went out of his way to help people, often secretly. He would at times bring [[alms]] to needy homes dressed as a simple monk saying simply “Accept this in the Name of Jesus Christ.” He always opened his home to those in need of help or of a word of comfort.
*''The Royal Way of the Cross'' Chernigov (1709)
*''Thoughts on God to the Benefit of Right-Belief'' (1710 and 1711)
*''[[Synaxarion ]] Commemoration on the Victory of Polatava'' (1710)
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[[Category:Saints]]
[[Category:Bishops]]
[[Category:17th-18th-century bishops]]
[[Category:Kiev Academy Graduates]]
[[Category:18th-century saints]]
