The Academy glorified the Born Christ at the Trinity Cathedral of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra
On January 9, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, and the Bishop of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov Thomas, Abbot of the Holy Trinity – St. Sergius Lavra, greeted students of the Academy at the Trinity Cathedral.
The academic choir sang festive chants and glorifications. Then, Bishop Thomas addressed an assembly with his archpastoral word:
Your Grace, dear Rector, teachers, students and staff of the Moscow Theological Academy, let me greet you here, in the ancient Trinity Cathedral, and wish all of you Merry Christmas!
Our life sometimes makes an unexpected turn that dramatically changes person's attitude. Undoubtedly, the fact that Christ was born became such a point, which influenced the relationships between God and a man. The Lord came to earth and incarnated to liberate us from death. This holiday combines both theological views on the Church and the Incarnation, and childlike faith in the Lord and His love for us.
I wish all of you, especially students, that you do not lose your faith while doing your theological studies. Frankly speaking, even if you become great scientists, knowledge will not bring you closer to God. I wish all of us that the light of the Bethlehem Star illuminate your hearts. So, if you are illuminated by the divine glory, your ways and deeds will be illuminated by this light. I wish that you to remember where you study, work and live. May the Lord make us all wise and strong. And let St. Sergius indicates a right path to you.
In his turn, Bishop Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, said :
Your Eminence, dear Bishop Thomas, let me express my cordial greetings and best wishes on the behalf of the Moscow Theological Academy.
There are two ways to Christ. The first is the way of the Bethlehem shepherds, which was straight and easy. Angels called them and brought directly to the Divine Infant. However, there is another more complicated path, which the Magi took. It was not straightforward and they had to walked through Herod's palace. There they told the enemies a secret, and we know how grievous the results were. The Lord showed us those two ways for a reason. Theological schools sometimes follow the path of the Magi, seeing the star just from afar, while studying theology. However, the Moscow Theological Academy has a good fortune to be in a close connection with great pastors who possess a real child’s faith. This is what helps to keep the right path. God bless us all!
The shepherds did not bring any gifts, but the Magi did. In spite of material gifts, God asks for our good deeds, prayers and the myrrh of piety. I hope that both Lavra and Academy brethren bring the Lord such gifts.
After the welcoming remarks, the Rector and Bishop Thomas exchanged Christmas gifts.
Then, an academic choir was singing Christmas Carols, while the Rector was distributing Christmas presents to teachers, students and staff of the Academy.
MThA Press Office