The Moscow Theological Academy entered the period of the Nativity Fast

On November 27 and 28, Sunday services held at the Moscow Theological Academy mark the beginning of the Nativity Fast, which precedes the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

On November 27, Archimandrite Platon (Igumnov) led the All-night vigil at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by the clergy of the academic church.

After the kathisma, Vitaly Korytko, a 4th year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon. He called on believers to meet and celebrate the Nativity Fast with dignity.

Brothers and sisters, we are standing at the doors of the Nativity Fast. Let us promise ourselves that on “Monday” we become more attentive to the reality around us and to everyone who we meet on our way.

On November 28, Archimandrite Platon celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.

After singing the sacrament verse, Aleksey Gutov, a 4th year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon dedicated to the Epistle of Apostle Paul read during the Liturgy:

What good deeds does the Apostle speak about? Saying “good deeds”, we usually mean mercy, helping others etc. Although Apostle speaks about a merciful conduct towards our neighbors, he also means all our deeds, which we do by following the commandments. Doing this, we start a dialogue with God partly in our thoughts and our words. On the other hand, it is our decision when we have to make a choice between “I want it so much” and “that’s right”, between “my own will” and “God's will”. As a result, we receive life circumstances beyond our control, which are the answer themselves».

Background information:

Chanting performed by a male choir under the conduct of R.I. Shilkin and a joint choir led by K.A. Alekseeva.

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MThA Press Office