After graduating from the theological academy in St. Petersburg, John entered the married priesthood in 1855 and went to Kronshtadt to minister at the parish church of St. Andrew. There he established among the underprivileged a fraternal association and “work centre” that offered instruction in industrial arts, technical and general education, religious training, and social services. “Father John,” as he was called, exercised a widespread moral authority among the various social classes and was reputed to have performed wonders and miracles. He influenced many in the corrupt and despairing Russian society toward moral conversion and a return to religious practices.

John facilitated the worship and sacramental life of the masses by practical innovations in the liturgy and wrote several spiritual works, including My Life in Christ and “A Response to the False Doctrines of Count 【Leo】 Tolstoy.” Politically conservative, he rejected any advocacy of radical reform. Despite his condemnation of their activities, a cult of admirers began a quasi-divine worship of him.