Presbyter
Saint John (Ivan Lukich Kalabukhov) was born on November 13, 1873, in the village of Tolbino, Khatun volost, Serpukhov district, Moscow province. After receiving an education, he worked as a clerk in the Filippov firm starting in 1900. During the 1905 revolution, John participated in the revolutionary movement. In 1908, he moved to Arkhangelsk, where he worked as a weighmaster and later as a clerk for a private baker. The Lord awakened John, and he realized that the path to salvation was through serving God. In 1915, he entered the church as a psalmist. In April 1917, he was ordained a priest for the church in the village of Vaimuga, Arkhangelsk province, and in 1920, he was assigned to serve in the church in the village of Smotrakovskoye. After being arrested for anti-Soviet preaching, he continued his service. In 1925, he met Priest Georgy Belyaev, who suggested he serve in Protopopovo. His candidacy was unanimously approved by the parishioners, and he received the blessing of the bishop. In Protopopovo, he decided to raise funds for the repair of the church, but the local authorities prohibited this. On September 20, 1929, the resident Olga Makeeva, who had not accepted the priest, passed away. Her daughter Klavdiya, a communist, opposed the church funeral. Father John was arrested on September 26 for conducting the burial service for the deceased. During the interrogation, he did not admit guilt in the intentional incitement of religious feelings. The priest emphasized that his service was aimed at strengthening faith in God. After his arrest, members of the church council expressed their dissatisfaction and intentions to petition for his release.
