The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-02-01
THE GREATEST RUSSIAN.
Next to the Car Stands Father John,
or tie Greek Church
L.. Al. rn-.cIl..a TYnaea

or tie Greek Church
From the London Times.
Two jubilee celsbratiens have recently
attracted attention in Russia--one the CEN
tennisl anniversary of the storming and
capture Of the Turkish fortress of Ismsii on
the Danube under Souvaron, and the other
the thirty-hfth anniversary of the entry
into the orthodox ministry Of Father John
Sergeyof, one Of the most remarkable and
popular men in the Russian empire. 10
needs no comments to explain the patriotic
outpourings of the Russians over the hts
toric siege and savage reduction OF lsmail,
but of toe celebration in honor OF Father
John of Cronstadt there is much to relate
that is strange and interesting.
Father Ivan, or John Of Cronstadt,
known and revered In every nook and cor
ner of Russia, has hitherto been almost en-
tirely unknown to English readers; but a
circumstance just reported by the British
chaplain at Cronstadt seems to indicate
that the christian influence of this remark
able priest of the Russian church has az last
found its way even into the United King
dom. A short time ago letter reached the
British clergyman at Cronstadt addressed
in English to the parish priest of that port.
10 came from correspondent in county
Kerry. Ireland, and earnestly begged for
the prayers Of Father John on behalf Of the
writer. who appeared to be in great distress
OF mind aud body. His letter 10 being
translated and will be forwarded to the rev.
erend pastor.
This is curious proof of the influence and
reputation of this wonderful man, VINO, IN the
midst OF his Russian surroundings, seems to
approach as nearly as any one perhaps
could approach in these days to the first
apostles. He is. indeed, a true physician of
the Gospel. His extraordinary healing
powers aud the spiritual and bodily cures
effected by the faithful acceptance of his
earnest consultations are attested on all sides
by many sorts and conditions of men. To
those who believe in Father John-and
their name is legion-the age of miracles Is
not yet over. Crowds press round him
whenever he leaves his humble abode, and
are happy IL they can only touch the hem
OF his modest garb. Father Johns life is
one Of uninterrupted and sslf-sacrifcing
charity and christian miuistration among
the poor, the sick and needy, not, however,
refmsing his presence and prayers to the
well-to-do and rich, who send for him when
all other help fails, and never in vain, from
all parts OF the country. He has no vast
business organization Of charity and no
corybantic christianity, like General"
Booth, aud no religious politics, like Arch
bishop Nicanor Of Odessa. Although snor-
nous sums of money have passed through
his hands to the Russian poor in all direc-.
tions, he Is still a poor man, living In the
humblest possible way. Steamboats, and
trains In which he journeys to and fro on
his truly christian work are besieged with
such crowds that the police have to protect
him from their pressure.
The report Of his appearance in any house
in st. Petersburg-and the news spreads
like widehre-brings throngs of poor peo-
pie running madly from all the surround
ing streets TO get within the range of his
healing presence. to receive his blessing, or
to implore his attendance at the sick bed Of
relatives or friends.
He advocates no impracticable Christian
theories like Tolstoi; his life is ono entirely
OF good works, and his influence for good
among the Russian masses, who have not
yet reached the state Of cynical unbelief OF
the lower orders in other countries. is
greater, perhaps, than any other Russian
under the car.
The festival In his honor at Cronstradt,
an island, most difficult and inconvenient OF
access In winter, was attended by great
crowds of people. rich and poor, who made
their way across the ice of the gulf to the
isolateas port, from st. Petersburg and
other places. Thirty priests of1ciated al
the church service on the occasion. and
populations from various benevolent and
other societies, including even the beggars
presented the reverend father with gifts Of
silver-bound Bibles and holy pictures. The
most touching sight of all was the gift of 9
small bunch of flowers by poor, sickly
woman with child in her arms. An eve
witness states that the crowd and Father
John were moved to tears. At bauoue
in the evening, at which the governor anc
admiral OF the port presided, paupers
msndicants and n1ol.jick$ sat cheek by jow
with ladies', officials aud naval officers, t
drink to the health and long life Of Father
John