The Academy celebrated the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the main holidays of the Orthodox Church. The Christian glorify the Most Hole Theotokos for Her purity and acceptance of the God’s Will.

After the Fall, people had been waiting for the Messiah, who would save a mankind from the power of sin and death. Thanks to Her virginity and purity Blessed Mary was able to receive God Himself and gave birth to Christ the Savior.

Today is a head day of our salvation, and since the age of the sacrament, we have been manifesting: the Son of God, the Son of the Virgin comes, and Gabriel preaches the Gospel. Following him, we will also cry out to the Mother of God: Rejoice, Oh, the Gracious One, the Lord is with you.

On April 6, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, officed an evening service accompanied by the academic clergy. 

During the service, Bishop Theodorite elevated Reader Ilya Ulyanov, a post-graduate student, into the rank of a subdeacon.

Serhiy Konoval, a fourth-year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon:

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos prepares us for Easter. It brings us great joy and light, which sends the darkness away. This year, the holiday falls coincide with the week of St. Mary of Egypt, who became an example of true humility and repentance. In two weeks we will celebrate the Holy Resurrection of Christ. Let's spend this time spiritually. Let’s pray to the Mother of God and ask Her to teach us to love God, accept His holy Will and show the sincere repentance, so that we can receive the Easter joy and meet the Bright Christ’s Resurrection with a pure heart. 

On April 7, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite celebrated the Divine Liturgy co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.

After the Great Entrance, the Rector ordained Deacon Mikhail Malyutin, a first-year Master’s student, into a presbyter.

After the Eucharistic Canon, Bishop Theodorite ordained subdeacon Ilya Ulyanov, a first-year post-graduate student, into a deacon.

At the end of the service, Artem Shelest, a second-year Master's student, delivered a sermon. 

The life of the Mother of God is an example for Christians to follow. We call Her the Most honest Cherubim and the Most glorious Seraphim. We should strive for the same modesty and meekness that the Blessed Virgin had. We should be able to accept the God’s Will. The period of the Great Lent is just the right time for it.

Background information:

Chanting performed by a male choir under the conduct of E.V. Borovinsky and a mixed choir led by K.A. Tarelkina.

MThA Press Office