St John Maximovitch (1896–1966) is loved and venerated throughout the world. Born on the eve of the Communist Revolution, he was a leading figure in the Russian diaspora, serving the Church in Yugoslavia, China, the Philippines, France, and the United States. His sanctity, asceticism, and wonderworking are well known from several different published versions of his life.
In Exodus, readers discover more about St John’s role in sustaining his flock in Shanghai, arranging for their flight to Tubabao, and his successful efforts to lobby the U.S. government, which allowed thousands of refugees and orphans to emigrate to America. Drawing extensively on unpublished primary sources—letters, memoirs, interviews, newspaper articles from key figures and eyewitnesses—John B. Dunlop takes readers on an exciting journey, as they learn more about both St John and his émigré flock.
About the Author: John B. Dunlop is an emeritus senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. He has written extensively on the political and religious history of Russia. He is the author of many books and articles, including The Rise of Russia and the Fall of the Soviet Union (Princeton University Press, 1995) and Starets Amvrosy (Nordland, 1972).
3 Reviews
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Exodus: St John Maximovitch Leads Flock Out of Shanghai
This is a bit more of a historical biography using primary sources from people that were a part of St John's life. I think it was really good but the book lacks in my opinion is St Johns travels to the world and to the US and the details of his dialog and encounters with leaders while in the Philippeans. The focus of the book at that point is the struggle of the people under his care but St John was very involved and seemed removed to a point. Overall its an excellent read in understanding of the struggle of ROCOR.
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Intriguing and Reliable History of a Great Saint
I am only halfway through the book, and am already sharing new details of Saint John's life with anyone who will listen. The book is thoroughly researched and documented, including much information that was new to me.
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Exodus: St John Maximovitch Leads His Flock out of Shanghai
As interest in St John keeps growing with Russian, with many publications appearing in the saint’s native language, John Dunlop’s excellent book fills a much needed void in English. Having had the good fortune of being born in Shanghai to devout Orthodox parents in 1934, and to serve St John in his cathedral between 1940 and 1948, I witnessed some of his miracles and experienced the power of his incessant prayers throughout my life.
