Sunday services at the Moscow Theological Academy

On November 14, the Holy Church honors the memory of Sts. Cosma and Damian.

They were brothers and thanks to their kind and unselfish disposition could convert people into Christianity. As a gift from the Lord they got a power to heal various diseases.

Having done a miracle, the holy brothers said: “We do not heal by our own strength, but by the power of Christ, the True God. Believe in Him and you will be well".

Seeing a good example of their godly and selfless lives, many people believed in Christ and baptized.

On November 13, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, officed an all-night vigil at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by the academic clergy.

During the service, Mark Kuzevanov, a 4th year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon:

Dear brothers and sisters, quite often we confess our sins without any repentance. We often say: "I am a sinner, I am guilty." To be honest, admitting the guilt does not mean starting a genuine correction. Therefore, when we admit our sin, we have to ask for forgiveness with a firm intention not to do it again. Let us humble ourselves and bring the Lord worthy fruits of repentance».

During the reading of the Canon, Bishop Theodorite elevated Reader Pavel Gavrilov, a 1st year Master student, into a rank of Subdeacon.

On November 14, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church.

At the antiphons, Bishop Theodorite tonsured 3rd-year undergraduate students Pavel Prikhodko, Artem Gamaddiev, Ilya Cherkashin, and Grigory Radionov as Readers. ы

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

After the Eucharistic Canon, Bishop Theodorite ordained Subdeacon Pavel Gavrilov into a deacon.

After singing the Sacrament verse, Kirill Krivonogov, a 4th year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon:

In the Holy Scriptures there are many examples of how the Lord Jesus Christ heals the demon-possessed. Today in the Gospel passage we have heard the story of the demoniac in Gadarene, which clearly shows us the actions of the evil spirits. However, demons are not able to destroy a person, if there isn’t God’s will. They can influence people only to some extent. Seeing the Son of God in the Gadarene country, they were horrified and powerless before the Lord».

Background information:

Chanting performed by the first academic choir under the conduct of E.V. Borovinsky and the second mixed choir led by K.A. Tarelkina.

MThA Press Office

[justified_image_grid flickr_user=164238858@N03 flickr_photoset=72157720151518642]