The Academy celebrated the All Saints Day

Since the middle of the IV century, the first Sunday after Pentecost has been celebrated as the All Saints Day. This feast is mentioned in sermons of St. John Chrysostom and hymns of St. Ephraim the Syrian. It logically stands after the feast of Pentecost and signifies the grace of the Holy Spirit visible in apostles and other faithful children of the Christian Church.

Agreeing in faith is a worldly triumph, pleasing God for ages honorable patriarchs and prophets, prolific apostles, assembly of martyrs, praise of fasters, spiritually celebrating all saints: we steadily pray to reach the world of the world, and great mercy for our souls.

In a liturgical cycle the All Saints Day marks the end of the Colored Triodion and the beginning of the Octoechos. The first Gospel passage in a row tells the faithful about the Resurrection of the Savior.

Also, the Epistle to the Romans and the Gospel of Matthew at the Divine Liturgy replace reading the Acts of the Holy Apostles and the Gospel of John.

On June 18, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, performed a solemn all-night vigil at the Intercession Academic Church.

Vitaly Korytko, a fourth-year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon:

Living in the world, we must firmly believe that our worldly cares do nothing to achieve salvation. If we strive for it with all our heart and seek it at every step of our life, let us remember the Savior words “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

At the Canon, the Rector elevated Reader Artemy Vorontsov, a second-year Master's student, into the rank of a subdeacon.

On June 19, Bishop Theodorite celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.

After reading the Holy Gospel, the Rector addressed an assembly with his archpastoral word.

During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Theodorite ordained Deacon Vladimir Sologub, a second-year Master’s student, into a presbyter and Subdeacon Artemy Vorontsov into a deacon.

At the end of the Sacrament verse, Deacon Alexander Samoylenko, a second-year Master's student, delivered a sermon:

Today is a name day for everyone. Today is the feast in Heaven and on earth. Christ's children rejoice being one body, one spirit and one life. Some have finished their earthly life crowned; others are continuing their journey guided by their patron saints. The one, who truly believe in Jesus Christ, confess Him under any life circumstances with his lips and deeds, with purity and firmness of faith and holiness of life. So, as the Lord said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Background information:

Chanting performed by a male choir under the conduct of E.V. Borovinsky.

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