The Academy honored the memory of Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian
On May 21, the Holy Church honors the memory of Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.
John the Theologian is a patron saint of theological schools and all studying Theology. Therefore, this day is especially revered by students and teachers of the Moscow Theological Academy.
Throughout his life, the apostle remained faithful to his Teacher and the Savior, as well as to the main commandment of love. After his calling, St. John did not part with the Lord and was one of the disciples whom Christ especially distinguished and brought closer to Himself. He witnessed the resurrection of Jairus's daughter, the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor, was next to the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane, leaned on His chest at the Last Supper and remained with the Lord until His death on the Cross.
John the Theologian was more than hundred years old when he died. All his life he fearlessly preached Christ’s Resurrection and His love for world.
“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. "
On May 20, Metropolitan Vikenty of Tashkent and Uzbekistan officed an all-night vigil at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, and the clergy of an academic church.
Archimandrite Michael (Borey) led an evening service at the seminary church of St. John Climacus.
On May 21, Metropolitan Vikenty celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by the academic clergy.
Bishop Theodorite celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the seminary church of St. John Climacus co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Rector and the academic clergy sang a glorification to Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. After that Bishop Theodorite addressed an assembly with his archpastoral word.
Background information:
Chanting at the seminary church of St. John Climacus performed by female student choirs of the Church Singing Art Faculty at the Moscow Academy under the conduct of a 3rd year student Olga Belyaeva and a 3rd year student Anastasia Bazyuk.
Chanting at the Intercession Academic Church performed by academic choirs under the conduct of Hieromonk Nestor (Volkov) and V.V. Chuvilov.
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