The history of the society begins with the arrival in Canada of Bishop Silvester (Haruns), who later became an archbishop. Bishop Silvester, who came to Montreal from Paris in April 1963, long supported believers in the USSR, actively participating in the Russian Student Christian Movement. He continued this work in Montreal, where a group of helpers from the local parish gradually formed around him, creating the Charitable Society named after John of Kronstadt.

The society was engaged in sending religious literature to Russia and providing assistance to needy Russian émigré families in Canada. It raised thousands of dollars annually for these purposes. For example, for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, the society traditionally sent a 'Christmas gift' to those in need.

At that time, it was impossible to openly send aid to the Soviet Union. However, Bishop Silvester found ways to send religious literature known only to him. He provided financial assistance to suffering Russian refugees, especially pensioners, in various countries such as Poland, Yugoslavia, and South America. He also helped needy priests in Poland and later their widows, as well as sent items to Argentina, where refugees did not receive pensions.

With the onset of perestroika, the situation changed, and it became possible to send aid to the countries of the former USSR. In early 1991, the magazine 'Ogonyok' appealed for support for the 'Anti-AIDS' fund, and our society responded by sending items and food. From a letter of gratitude from the Russian consulate, the donors learned that the aid was delivered to sick children in Moscow, Volgograd, Elista, and Rostov.

Currently, the parish mainly provides financial assistance to parishes and monasteries in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and Serbia (Kosovo).