Bishop Theodorite performed presbyter's and deacon's ordinations on the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord

Christ came on earth in order to fulfill the Old Testament law and the prophets’ words about Him. Although the Lord followed all given commandments, He taught do not blindly adhere to external and formal obedience to the law.

Do not think that I have come to break the law or the prophets: I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill it».

On the 8th days after Christmas, the Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord. The Lord obeyed the law in order to free us from it. The Apostle Paul says: «God sent His Son ... He obeyed the law to redeem those under the law».

The Savior revealed the true meaning of Old Testament circumcision, which was a prototype of the New Testament Baptism. Thanks to this sacrament, everyone is able to become a member of Christ's Church.

On the same day, the Church honors the memory of St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea of Cappadocia. Basil was an ardent minister of Christ's Church. He was an author of many theological works, in which he fought against the Arian heresy and took an active part in organising the Second Ecumenical Council.

Today the Lord endures the Circumcision and cuts off human sins giving salvation to the world. Rejoice in heaven you, St. Basil, the hierarch and luminous minister of the sacraments of Christ».

On January 13, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite celebrated an all-night vigil at Intercession church of the Moscow Theological Academy.

Before the reading of Kathisma, a four-year student Peter Trofimov delivered a sermon, in which he spoke about the meaning and significance of the Circumcision of the Lord.

Nowhere in the Gospel we come across passages, which summon to perform bodily circumcision. Christ said that He came to fulfill the law, but not because the law is salvific on its own (as the law cannot make us perfect (Heb. 10: 1)). The Lord set an example of obedience and joined the Jewish congregation. In another case, He would not be able to enter the synagogue or open the book of Isaiah in Capernaum. Having once endured the old rite, Christ released us from it. Apostle Paul says: “In Him you are also circumcised by circumcision not made by hands, but through the removal of the sinful body of the flesh in Christ’s Circumcision (Col. 2:11)».

Во время чтения канона владыка возвел в чин иподиакона студента пропедевтического курса магистратуры МДА чтеца Кирилла Барановского.

On January 14, Bishop Theodoret celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.

After reading the Holy Gospel, Bishop Theodorite addressed an assembly with an archpastoral word.

After singing the Cherubic song, Bishop Theodorite ordained a second-year post-graduate student Deacon Oleg Lemeshev into a priest.

At the end of the Eucharistic Canon, Bishop Theodoret ordained Subdeacon Cyril into a deacon.

Before taking out the Holy Chalice, Hieromonk Cassian (Ploskyj) delivered a sermon, in which he spoke about life and help of Saint Basil the Great.

Now, in this very time, when you and I are standing in the church, Saint Basil knows our deep thoughts, doubts and zeal. As before, he can help us in our needs that we pour out before God. However, the question is what we ask for. St. Basil can deliver us from the fear, give us the ability to see our sins or pray for our salvation. So, he is a great intercessor and we also should try to show the same love».

At the end of the service, Bishop Theodorite together with sang with the academic clergy sang songs of praise to the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and Saint Basil the Great.

Background information:

Chanting performed by a female choir under the conduct of Ksenia Alekseeva.

MThA Press Office

Image gallery