Presbyter
Saint John was born on January 1, 1894, in the settlement of Karolen in the Verros district of the Livonian province to a family of Orthodox peasants. After completing his studies at the Riga Theological School, he entered the Riga Theological Seminary, but his education was interrupted due to World War I. In 1916, despite having a deferment, he was mobilized and enrolled as a cadet in the Vladimir Military School, after which he served on the front. In 1918, he submitted a request for ordination to the priesthood.
On October 13, 1918, he was ordained at the Church of All Saints in the village of Penuya. In December 1918, hearing about the illness of his parents, while on his way home, he was arrested and subjected to interrogations. Local workers and authorities defended him, confirming his good neighborliness and service. However, on January 29, 1919, Priest John was shot and buried at the Tartu cemetery.
