Congratulation to the Rector of St. John of Shanghai Church, Archpriest Ivan Voloshchuk, on His 55th Birthday

Dear and beloved in the Lord, Father Ivan!

On behalf of the clergy and laity of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate of America, and personally, I congratulate you on this significant milestone — your 55th birthday!

By God’s special providence, on this joyful day you are also celebrating your name day — the memory of your heavenly patron, the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. The double joy of this day highlights the great and sacrificial ministry you carry out for the benefit of Christ’s Church.

For the parishioners and your spiritual children, you are a model of a worthy pastor. Every day you labor in the Lord’s field in the city of Jacksonville. Through your care and prayers, a temple in honor of St. John of Shanghai has been established, which is not only beautifully adorned — it has become a true spiritual home, where your fatherly love, warmth, and care for the faithful are deeply felt.

On this special day, we recall the words of your heavenly patron, the Apostle John the Theologian:

“My children! Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

We believe and see that it is precisely in this — in living deed, in unceasing labors, and in sincere love — that your main pastoral mission consists: to lead God’s people to Christ, to strengthen them in the faith, and to gather under the arches of this beautiful temple one united and friendly spiritual family.

On the day of your 55th birthday, we prayerfully wish you, dear Father, strong health, peace of soul, inexhaustible spiritual joy, and the almighty help of God in your further pastoral labors! May the Lord, through the intercessions of St. John of Shanghai and the holy Apostle John the Theologian, send down upon you His rich mercies.

Many years and blessed years to you, dear Father Ivan!

+ Alexander,

Bishop-Elect of Nicopolis,

Vicar of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate of America