Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom
This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100, during the reign of the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus, because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. Furthermore, each party, in order to distinguish itself from the others, assumed the name of its preferred Saint; hence, they called themselves Basilians, Gregorians, or Johannites. Desiring to bring an end to the contention, the three Saints appeared together to the saintly John Mavropous, a monk who had been ordained Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor, they revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal, and told him to compose a common service for the three of them, which he did with great skill and beauty. Saint John of Euchaita (celebrated Oct. 5) is also the composer of the Canon to the Guardian Angel, the Protector of a Man's Life. In his old age, he retired from his episcopal see and again took up the monastic life in a monastery in Constantinople. He reposed during the reign of the aforementioned Emperor Alexis Comnenus (1081-1118).
Metropolis of New Jersey Essay Contest to Honor the Feast of the Three Hierarchs
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces that the 46th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress will convene in New York City from July 3-7, 2022, with the theme “Legacy, Renewal, Unity” honoring the Centennial of the Archdiocese which is being celebrated in 2022. During the Clergy Laity Congress, on July 4th, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros will consecrate Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center.
What a joy it is for me to be with you today, so as to share in this annual Vasilopita with you, and to encourage you in your ministry of music to our Holy Church. I would like to thank Fr. John Vlahos, your spiritual advisor, Mrs. Anna Dounelis, the outgoing President of the District Choir Federation, and Mr. Costas Tsourakis, the new incoming President, for the gracious invitation to attend this joyous gathering.
What a delight it is to see all of you today here at our Sacred Archdiocesan headquarters. Your presence truly reminds us of what is most important in our daily ministry – you!
This spelling bee is a wonderful opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills with language and memory. It also shows how the legacy of Greece lives on in the languages of the Western World. As you know, many of the sophisticated words that inhabit English are derived from Latin. But the Latin language was thoroughly enriched through Ancient Greek, too.
Sebasmiotate, Your Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, I am eternally grateful for the honor and gift to become a Presbyter under your omophorion. Moreover, I have the blessing to witness your leadership and service firsthand at the Archdiocese. In your tireless service, the words of the Psalter comes to mind:
Tonight, has been a truly moving and inspirational occasion, bringing so many members of our Cypriot and Greek communities together with concerned fellow citizens of the world – and so many high-level members of the United Nations Diplomatic presence.
I am honored to be among all of you, to offer a few words in closing for this most worthy endeavor -- the inauguration of the “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center USA. “Hope For Children” has had such a positive impact – not only on the lives of children around the world, but in raising our shared societal consciousness about their safety and welfare.
This morning we are gathered to pray and worship together, but also to come to an understanding about the meaning of faith – the dynamic of believing. Your community of Saint John the Baptist here in the Grammercy quarter of the City is a precious jewel in the crown of our Sacred Archdiocese, and I am very happy to be with you and your priest, Father Ioannikios, whom we will elevate today to the rank of Archimandrite, as an honor to him, but also, as an honor to all of you.