The Academy celebrated the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem
On April 24 and 25, the Academy celebrated the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem at the Intercession Academic Church.
The news of the resurrection of Lazarus got up to Jerusalem. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: «Hosanna to the Son of David! «Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!́ Hosanna in the highest!» However, those were the words that introduced the Savior's Way on the Cross.
The Jewish people hoped that at last there came the One who would put an end to the Roman occupation, exalt and restore its former power and glory. They were waiting for an earthly kingdom, but the Lord said that His Kingdom is not of this world. So, enthusiastic exclamations faded and gave way to frantic demands to crucify the One Whom the Israelites had recently met with palms.
The Savior came to save all mankind from the power of sin and death, opened the way to the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal bliss. Therefore, the whole Church cries out: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!́
On April 24, the Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, officed an all-night vigil at the Intercession academic Church.
At the service Nikita Sedelnikov, a third-year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon.
While hearing “Hosanna in the highest!”, which the choir sings on behalf of the faithful, let’s try to meet the Lord comprehensively, praise Him with our deeds by fulfilling His commandments».
After reading the Gospel and the 50th Psalm, Bishop consecrated the willows.
On April 25, the Rector Bishop of Zvenigorod Theodorite celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by teachers and students in the priesthood.
At the Hours, Bishop Theodorite elevated Reader Nikita Zakharov, a 3rd year undergraduate student, into the rank of a subdeacon.
After reading the Gospel, Bishop Theodorite addressed an assembly with his archpastoral word.
During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Theodorite ordained Deacon Sergiy Gimonov, a 4th year undergraduate student, into a presbyter and Subdeacon Nikita Zakharov into a deacon.
After singing the Sacrament verse, Serafim Kosenko, a 3rd year undergraduate student, delivered a sermon, in which he quoted the words of Apostle Paul about how to be true followers of Christ.
We gather around Christ, around His Body and Blood that lie on the throne. And who are? Do we resemble apostles and Christ’s disciples or those people who shouted "Hosanna" today and "Crucify Him” a few days later? This is a bold question, but its simplicity does not exclude its relevance. All of us, of course, want to be faithful and good servants of God. But what do we do for that? An answer we can find in the Epistle to the Philippians, which passage has been read today. Apostle Paul says: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you».
Background information:
Chanting performed by male choirs under the conduct of Hieromonk Nestor (Volkov) and V.V. Chuvilov.
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