Three Holy Hierarchs

Life

The saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom each have their own special day of celebration in the month of January, namely: Basil the Great on January 1, Gregory the Theologian on January 25, and John Chrysostom on January 27 and November 13. And this common feast was established in the eleventh century during the time of Emperor Alexius Comnenus. Once there arose from somewhere a dispute among the people about which of these three was the greatest. Some exalted Basil because of his purity and courage; others exalted Gregory because of his unattainable depth and height of mind in theology; a third group exalted Chrysostom because of his wondrous eloquence and clarity in expounding the faith. And so, some called themselves Basilians, others Gregorians, and a third Johannites. But by God's providence this dispute was resolved for the benefit of the Church and for the even greater glory of the three saints. Bishop John of Euchaita (June 14) had a vision in a dream, namely: first each of these three saints appeared to him separately in great glory and ineffable beauty, and then all three together. Then they said to him: "We are one in God, as you see, and there is nothing contradictory in us... nor is there a first or second among us." The saints further counseled Bishop John to write for them one common service and that one common feast day be appointed for them. Following this wondrous vision the dispute was resolved in such a way that January 30 was appointed as the common feast for all three of these hierarchs. The Greek people consider this feast not only an ecclesiastical one but also their greatest national and school holiday.

From the Hymn of Praise

Fasting and faith—Basil,Theology—Gregory.Mercy—Chrysostom,Chrysostom, Honey-mouth!