The Academy prayfully honored the 85th anniversary of the martyrdom of Professor John Popov

“Semen est sanguis christianorum,” said Tertullian in Apologetics in the II century. This idea is absolutely different from the earthly logic. It is born in the Church thanks to the experience of the first generation of Christians, i.e. the experience of confession and martyrdom. But that experience would not have been possible without the sacrificial love that God showed to all mankind.

The incarnation of the Savior, His death and Resurrection give a person the opportunity to take a completely different look at himself and the world around him. The dishonor for Christ’s sake leads to eternal glory; weakness to divine power; simplicity to wisdom beyond human imagination and, finally, death leads to an everlasting life.

This thought illuminated the entire life path of John Vasilievich Popov, an outstanding church scholar and Professor at the Moscow Theological Academy, who was martyred at the Soviet times of persecution of the Church in XX century.

The Moscow Theological Academy considers St. martyr John as its heavenly patron. So, the Academy gathered for the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church to honor his memory and ask for his prayers.

On February 8, Archimandrite Platon (Igumnov) and the academic clergy celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the 85th anniversary of St. John Popov martyrdom.

At the litany, the clergy raised petitions for the Fatherland and its army, after which a prayer for Holy Rus' was read.

Before the Communion, Vasily Vashchaev, a second-year Master's student, delivered a sermon. In his speech, he touched upon St. John reasoning about the concept of conscience and how it correlates with the conciliar voice of the Church.

Background information:

Clergy served at the Divine Liturgy: Archimandrite Platon co-served by Archimandrite Hilarion (Forkavets), Hieromonks Varnava (Losev), Feodor (Yulaev), Cassian (Plosky), Damian (Voronov), Serapion (Zalesny), Mikhey (Kopytov), ​​Priests Mikhail Yakutik, Vyacheslav Masin , Hierodeacon Job (Urum), Deacon Boris Sandar.

Chanting performed by choirs under the conduct of E.V. Borovinsky and V.V. Chuvilov.

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