he Three Holy and Great Hierarchs Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; The Holy Hieromartyr Hippolytus.
All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Hebrews 13:7-16; Matthew 5:14-19.
Read Hebrews 13:7-16
Today’s epistle reading to the Hebrews begins with an instruction to “remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their life, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7). Today the Church remembers the “Three Holy Hierarchs:” Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. These three men are all remembered individually this month (Basil on January 1, Gregory on January 25, and John on January 27), but for their popularity they are also remembered together today on January 30.
All three of these holy men were great teachers of the faith. They were virtuous, wise, and eloquent. In one of the stichera of lytia last night, we prayed: “O Holy Trinity, worthy of adoration, glory to Your wise plan of salvation, for You have given three great luminaries to us. They enlighten us by the light of their knowledge of You, they inspire us by their teachings, and they shine with the radiance of your precious desires for our salvation. Through them the whole world has been enriched with the light of understanding; it radiates with Your glory and hastens to Your blessed kingdom. Since You are an all-generous God, O Holy Trinity, be attentive to their prayers in our behalf and save our souls, O Lord and Lover of mankind.”
As we remember these exemplary saints, we can clearly see their legacy and the positive impact they have left on the world through their lives and ministry. Let us imitate the faith that these men had and “not be led away by diverse and strange teachings” (Heb. 13:9). These men were faithful teachers of the Trinity and are celebrated for their eloquent teaching correct doctrine. Like them, let us not only believe correct things about God but also have an intimate relationship with Him.