Theatrical Concert "Grant Us Forgiveness and Victory!" Held at the Academy

On May 9, 2025, a theatrical concert titled "Grant Us Forgiveness and Victory!" was held in the Great Hall of the MThA, organized by the "Hypostasis" drama studio of the Moscow Theological Academy.

The theatrical segment of the concert was based on historical events from wartime Zagorsk (now Sergiev Posad). The collection and processing of documents, interviews, and historical literature had been underway since November 2024. Over three months, the script was developed based on the gathered materials.

In connection with the anniversary date, the organizers aimed to prepare a large-scale performance in a format unusual for the Academy. A student orchestra, conducted by Ivan Bernatsky, was assembled to accompany the musical numbers and theatrical production.

The concert marked the orchestra's debut. Elaborate sets were prepared, along with props and elements of daily life, while costumes and additional props were either sewn or purchased. In total, around 80 people participated in the preparation of the event, including students, faculty, staff of MThA and the Lavra, as well as parishioners of the Intercession Academic Church.

This year’s concert commemorating victory in the Great Patriotic War was a milestone for MThA—the first such event took place ten years ago, in 2015.

The conceptual foundation of the concert was the reminder that war arises when people turn away from God, while victory is a divine gift. Only through repentance and transformation can a people overcome their enemy.

The event’s purpose was to honor the memory of and express gratitude for the sacrifice of our ancestors in prayer.

The idea and script were developed by Yulia A. Derbush, director of official, concert, and cultural events at MThA and artistic director of the studio.

MThA Press Office