The Academy celebrated the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

God’s love is truly glorious and inexplicable. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened (Mat.7:8). Everyone, who has given himself into Christ's hands, is under His protection. So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these (Mat.6:28-29). The Lord gives beyond our measure and His mercy comes from the fullness of His generosity. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John.14:27).

Today we remember one more example of God’s love and providence. Did the righteous priest Zechariah think of having a son, future John the Prophet, at his age? He was praying for the Salvation of all of the Sons of Jacob, an angel brought him great news:

Oh, Zechariah, you ask so little, but you receive much more. Not only your wife Elizabeth will give birth to the desired firstborn, but the baby himself will become the Forerunner of the Savior! He will prepare the harvest and become a mentor of the nations!” And together with the Messenger of God, we cry out: “Rejoice, righteous women, as you have experienced the infinite love of the Lord! Rejoice, St. John, Christ’s Prophet and Forerunner!

On July 6, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Kirill, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, officiated an All-night Vigil together with the academic clergy at the Intercession Academic Church. 

Archimandrite Luke (Golovkov), Dean of the Icon painting and Church Art Faculty, performed the festive lithia at the All-night Vigil.

Before the Kathisma, Reader Boris Semyonov, a Bachelor's graduate of the Moscow Theological Academy, delivered a sermon, in which he drew attention to St. John the Prophet’s words:  

A human being needs repentance, as a necessary medicine that a person takes and tries to recover. In the spiritual life, nothing will come without personal efforts. If a Christian truly repents, he like St. John the Baptist, will be able to initiate the salvation in someone else.

On July 7, Archimandrite Platon celebrated the Divine Liturgy co-served by the academic clergy.

At the special litany, petitions were raised up for the Fatherland, its army and the unity of Holy Rus'.

Before the Communion, Reader Semyon Mikhailov, a graduate of the Master's program, delivered a sermon.

At the end of the service, the academic clergy sang the glorification in front of the icon of St. John the Baptist. 

Background information: 

Chanting performed by the second academic choir under the conduct of Reader John Bondaruk. 

MThA Press Office