Academy prayfully honored the memory of its patron saint St. Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow

St. Philaret (Drozdov), Metropolitan of Moscow, always treated the Academy with great love and attention. He gave a theological shool spirit and indicated a direction for its development, which has been followed even after his death.

St. Philaret (Drozdov) liked visiting the Academy and saint knew well about its life and problems. His orders concerned all aspects of an academic life. In particular, he paid great attention to the teaching staff and students. For example, he could recommend a topic for students’ term papers or attended exam sessions.

Metropolitan Philaret also expressed deep concern about academic science, as well as students’ attitude and participation in the liturgical practice, for example, church singing.

In addition, he continued to enjoy friendly relationships with both the Moscow Theological Academy and the Hole Trinity- St. Sergius Lavra. So, after the appointment of Archimandrite Savva (Tikhomirov) as the Rector in 1861, he wrote to Abbot of the Lavra, Archimandrite Anthony (Medvedev): «The new Rector asks me to put you on good terms with him. His position contains some hidden difficulties. So, in some cases your wise advice will be essencial».

On December 2, on the 155th anniversary of the repose of St. Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow, Archimandrite Venedikt (Knyazev) performed the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church.

On December 1, Archimandrite Hilarion (Forkavets) officed an All-night vigil co-served by the academic clergy.

At the Special Litany, petitions for the Fatherland and the Russian army were lifted up. After that, a prayer for Holy Rus' was read.

After the Sacrament verse, Georgy Son, a fourth-year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon:

At our work we can do our best for the spiritual education of others. So, someone teaches students, someone teaches schoolchildren, someone writes books, someone teaches his children. All in all, we have our own responsibilities and spheres to develop. 

After the dismissal, the clergy sang the glorification in front of the icon of St. Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow.

Background information:

Clergy served at the all-night vigil: Archimandrite Hilarion co-served by Archimandrite Simeon (Tomachinsky), Archpriest Sergiy Zhirov, Abbot Philip (Zhilyakov), Abbot Adrian (Pashin), Abbot Gerasim (Dyachkov), Abbot Melety (Sokolov), Hieromonk Barnabas (Losev), Archpriest Sergiy Zabelich, Priest Sergiy Churakov, Hieromonk Kirill (Sorokin), Hieromonk Cassian (Plosky), Hieromonk Damian (Voronov), Hieromonk Boris (Zelyuchenko), Hieromonk Procopius (Rudchenko), Hieromonk John (Merzlyakov), Hieromonk George (Pimenov), Hieromonk Mikhey (Kopytov), ​​Priest Vadim Zhilkov, Deacon Nikolai Goyuk, Hierodeacons Job (Urum), Amphilochius (Pushkarev), Deacons John Kubasov, John Gechev.

Clergy served at the Divine Liturgy: Archimandrite Venedikt co-served by Archimandrites Platon (Igumnov), Hilarion (Farkovets), Simeon (Tomachinsky), Abbots Philip (Zhilyakov), Gerasim (Dyachkov), Melety (Sokolov) Adrian (Pashin), Hieromonk Barnabas (Losev), Hieromonk Theodore (Yulaev), Priest Sergiy Churakov, Hieromonks Mikhey (Kopytov), ​​Prokopiy (Rudchenko), John (Merzlyakov), Georgy (Pimenov), Priest Vadim Zhilyakov, Deacon Nikolai Goyuk, Hierodeacons Job (Urum), Amfilohiy (Pushkarev), deacons John Kubasov, John Gechev.

Chanting performed by a male choir under the conduct of V. V. Chuvilov and a mixed choir led by K. A. Alekseeva.

MThA Press Office