Sacred Ioann Maximovich
was born in 1651 in a family of the nobility, in the Ukrainian town of
Nezhin. He got education in the Kiev Theological academy, where he
taught Latin after graduation. In 1680 he undertook monkhood, and in
1685 Ioann was appointed a superior to the male monastery in Bryansk.
Some time later he was noticed by the Chernigov archbishop who appointed
Ioann his successor. After the archbishop’s death Ioann opened a
Collegium in Chernigov like the Theological scholl in Kiev. A
newly-opened school soon got popular due a high level of theological
education. Virtually, it was the first seminary in Russia that was
followed by other seminaries in other eparchies.
In 1711 Ioann was transferred to Siberia. In August 14, 1711 he arrived
to Tobolsk. Ioann was constantly anxious about enlightenment of the
people, and upgraded the theological school in Tobolsk. Much effort was
spent by him on expanding Christianity in Siberia. It was in Tobolsk
that Ioann completed his major work – a book ‘Illyothropion’ – that
revealed a doctrine of God’s will as related to humane wishes.
Historical data verified that metropolitan Ioann would help people, was
modest and quiet, and his house was always available for those in need
of aid and consolation.
On the day of his death in June 10, 1715 Ioann held dinner at his house
for clergymen and poor people, and served at the table himself. After
dinner Ioann bade farewell to everybody, went to his room and died while
praying before the Virgine icon.
Immediately after his death the people commenced to worship him as a
Saint. A lot of wonders had been occurred through his prays.
At the beginning of the XXth century Ioann was officially ranked among
Saints.
