Who are the Three Hierarchs?
The Three Hierarchs are supposed the great teachers of Christianity and Hellenism. Basil the Great, Gregorian the Theologian and Ioannis the Chrisostom are the Fathers of the Church and the Patriarchs of the Orthodox Christians.
When do the Orthodox Christians celebrate them?
Our church celebrates the three Bishops and Saints on January 31. All the Greek schools celebrate them with respect in a lot of ways. Most times, students with their teachers and the school Heads go to the nearest church of their school. They attend the church service and they commune. In a lot of Greek schools, students prepare projects of the life and the role of the Three Hierarchs as great teachers and preachers of the church. They present their projects in class. In past years, the school Heads used to recite a speech in honor of the Three Hierarchs.
The Greek Orthodox schools abroad celebrate this day, too. During the day of January 31, special events take place inside these schools. All the school communities celebrate the wise works of the Three Patriarchs and their commitment to the Greek Orthodox tradition.
Basil the Great – Basil of Caesaria
The Bishop of Caesaria, Saint Basil, was a very competent orator who preached in front of crowds. His writings are numerous and stem from his activities against Arianism and his devotion to the ascetic life. The Liturgy of Saint Basil is used for the Sundays of the Lent, except for the Palm Sunday of the Orthodox Christians. Saint Basil was born is 330 and his feast day is on January 1.
Gregory the Theologian – Gregory of Nazianzus
Saint Gregory the Theologian is the second great Father and Teacher of the Church. He was born in Nazianzus, and that is why he is also named Saint Gregory of Nazianzus. Saint Basil the Great made Saint Gregory bishop of the city of Sasima, a small town between Caesarea and Tyana. Saint Gregory then became the Archbishop of Constantinople. His literary works, such as orations, letters and poems, reflect his studies and surely his dedication to present the truth of Christ. Saint Gregory was born in 329 and his feast day is on January 25.
Ioannis Chrisostom
“The rich man is not the one who is in possession of much but one who gives much”. This quote belongs to the archbishop of Constantinople, Ioannis Chrisostom. During his role as an archbishop, he refused any type of lavish and luxury at the church circle and founded hospitals in Constantinople. His homilies are numerous: homilies about Pascha, homilies against the Jews, homilies for the needy and the poor. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Chrisostom is the most celebrated liturgy of the Greek. Saint Ioannis Chrisostom was born in 349 and his feast day is on January 27.
Why are they so important?
The Three Hierarchs formed the Greek Theology and were very significant bishops of the early church. They are also considered Doctors of the Church and Ecumenical Teachers. Their life was an example of their devotion to God.
Vocabulary – Λεξιλόγιο
1/ ομιλία = homily
2/ preacher = ιεροκήρυκας
3/ ικανός = competent
4/ γιορτάζω = to celebrate
5/ αρνούμαι = to refuse
