Bishop Theodorite performed festive services in honour of ecumenical teachers St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom.

On February 12, the Church honors the memory of the ecumenical teachers and saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. Each of these eminent theologians did their best to explain Orthodox dogmas and establish a church life.

Despite their equal dignity, Christians in XI century Constantinople could not decide which of three hierarchs was higher or more virtuous. So, the ecumenical teachers had to intervene themselves. Once St. John the Mauropod, Metropolitan of Euchaite, saw an apparition of St. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom and testified that they were all close to God, so there was no rivalry among them.

There is neither the first, nor the second, nor the third. So, tell the ones who start quarrelling because of us stop it and not to create schisms. Then join our memories into one holiday and compose a service, and we will intercede in our common prayer for their salvation».

Saint John told the believers about the vision and all the disputes and disagreements ceased.

On February 11, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite officed an all-night vigil at the Intrcession Academic Church.

Hegumen Dionysius (Shlenov) and hieromonk Theodore (Yulaev) read key readings of the all-night vigil (paremia, kathisma at matins, six psalms, canons, the first hour) in ancient Greek.

On February 12, Bishop Theodorite celebrated the Divine Liturgy co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.

Chanting in Greek at the Liturgy performed by a choir of the Byzantine singing school "Scholion Psaltis". Maxim Barakov and Pyotr Golovachko are the youngest choristers, who have been studying Byzantine singing for three years. It is a second time they perform in a service on a feast day of great saints.

Before the Communion, Hegumen Dionisy (Shlyonov) delivered a sermon.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the clergy of the academic church performed a glorification to Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom.

Background information:

Chanting performed by a male choir under the conduct of V.V. Chuvilov and the choir of the Byzantine singing school "Scholion Psaltis" under the conduct of Maxim Troshin.

MThA Press Office

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