The Academy celebrated the Holy Pentecost
On June 19 and 20, solemn services on the Day of Holy Pentecost held at the Moscow Theological Academy.
An ancient prophecy pronounced by prophet Joel has been fulfilled:
«And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
This happened when apostles, according to the word of the Lord, were in Jerusalem awaiting the Comforter, Who was supposed to enlighten, strengthen and teach them to preach about Risen Christ:
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me”.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Since then, apostles began to fearlessly preach and spread the Good News about Christ’s Resurrection all over the world as the Spirit gave them utterance.
On June 19, Archimandrite Platon (Igumnov) led the Akathist to the Most Holy and Life-Giving Trinity at the Intercession Academic Church.
Archimandrite Venedict (Knyazev) officed the festive All-night vigil at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.
The Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, took part in celebrations of the Holy Trinity Day at the Assumption Cathedral of the Holy Trinity - St. Sergius Lavra together with the Metropolitan of Voskresensk Dionysius, Senior Manager of the Moscow Patriarchate, and the Bishop of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrovsk Thomas, Abbot of the monastery.
On June 20, Archimandrite Benedict (Knyazev) celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church.
After singing the sacrament verse, Hieromonk Kassian (Plosky) delivered a sermon.
At the end of the Liturgy, Archimandrite Benedict officed the Vespers with special kneeling prayers co-served by the academic clergy.
Bishop Theodorite concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the Lavra Square together with Metropolitan Dionysius and Bishop Thomas.
Background information:
Chanting at the akathist and all-night vigil in the Intercession Church of the Academy, performed by a female choir of the Faculty of Church Singing Art of the Moscow Theological Academy under the conduct of Hegumen Lazar (Gnativ), Dean of the faculty, and Ksenia Alekseeva.
Chanting at the Divine Liturgy performed by male choirs led by Hieromonk Nestor (Volkov) and V.V. Chuvilov.
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MThA Press Office