FATHER JOHN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 22, 19 February 1909, Page 3

FATHER JOHN

HOST OF MIRACPLOUS LEGEXDS. ,— — London, January 8. Fjithey John, of Cronstadt, around whose death already a host of miraculous legends are gathering, was one of the most striking features ia Russia. For fifty-three years he filled at Cronstadt the role of priest, philanthropist and wonder-worker, and such was his magnetic power that men and women pilgrimaged from all parts of the Russian Empire to kiss his hand and obtain his blessing. Thousands claimed to have been restored to health by Father John's prayera. He employed the vast sums of money which were ever pouring in to built refugees, night shelters for orphans, hospitals, schools, workshops, and over and above these works of charity, he had small sums distributed daily to the two or three thousand poor of Cronstadt. To charitable institutions he subscribed over 100,000 . roubles yearly, but for himself he neither spent nor hoarded money. When Father John moved abroad, dense throngs barred his way, eager to receive a blessing or to kiss the hem of his garment. The number of pilgrims exceeded 100,000 every year, and special refuges were opened to accommodate them in Cronstadt.

Unfortunately, Hie personalty of Father John was latterly exploited by a circle of unscrupulous hangers-on, who, unknown-to him, extorted vast sums of money from the worshippers who flocked to Cronstadt. Sliding tariffs were framed for the rich and poor for interviews at Cronstadt or at home. Common pilgrims were treated as cattle. The sale of tie spiritual favour resembled an attractive auction. Fatlrer John's good name was woefully tarnished in the estimation of many who lacked the time to distinguish between the man of God and the ragtag and bobtail who abused his name and traded on his selflessness.

•When Father Johmi lay on his deathbed last week, everything movable in his residence was pilfered and carried away. His invalid wife, aged eightyithree, was powerless ito hinder this open pillage. It is currently affirmed that 00,000 roubles were thus abstracted from! a: packet which had been sent to 'Father John. The 'news of Father John's death has produced intense emotion throughput Russia. Thousands still refuse to give credence to the doleful tidings. Many hold that he could not die, others affirm that they beheld him in a fiery chariot ascending to the clouds; numerous groups look forward (to his return in three days. Tens of (thousands of artisans arc preparing to pay their last tribute to the saintly worker who delighted in bettering their lot. Schools, refuges, and night shelters mill take part in the funeral pageant. Special idolatrous services are being offered up at shrines where Father John fa worshipped as God incarnate.