Sunday services at the Moscow Theological Academy

 On January 22 and 23, the Church honors a memory of St. Theophan the Recluse, a great Russian saint of the 19th century.

St. Theophan had a profound influence on the spiritual revival of Russian society. During his retreat, he wrote his most influential spiritual books and answered many letters from anyone, who needed his advice. The most significant works are “Letters on the Christian Life”, a translation of the “Philokalia”, “Interpretation of the Apostolic Epistles, and Outline of Christian Moral”.

St. Theophan the Recluse was canonized in 1988. In his numerous spiritual books he gave the practical guidelines for the Christian life such as "What is the spiritual life and how to maintain it?"

On January 22, Archimandrite Hilarion (Forkavets) led an all-night vigil at the Intercession Church of the Moscow Theological Academy co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.

On January 23, Archimandrite Hilarion celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with the clergy of the academic church.

Also, they served a funeral litany, which marked 40 days since K.E. Skurat’s death, who was the Honored Professor of the Moscow Theological Academy.

After the sacrament verse, Hierodeacon Savva (Tatsiy) delivered a sermon:

In spiritual literature and sermons we often hear about repentance. In our church we can confess half an hour before the service, so take part in the Sacrament of repentance. But, what does it really mean? In the Gospel the Lord does not worn us from being late for confession before the Liturgy or suggests listing our sins as shown in the brochure.

In Greek the word "repentance" (μετάνοια (metanoia)) means changed mind, a way of thinking or a deep insight. That is a real conversion, which means putting God in the center of our life and a personal change according to the Law of God. Repentance is the answer to Christ’s call to follow Him and become one of His disciples.

Background information:

Chanting performed by mixed choirs under the conduct of K.A. Tarelkina and K.A. Alekseeva.

MThA Press Office

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