What Is The Three Holy Hierarchs?
The Three Holy Hierarchs is a significant feast day within the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, dedicated to the joint veneration of three influential figures: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. These bishops and theologians from the 4th and 5th centuries are collectively recognised for their profound contributions to Christian doctrine, liturgical development, and defence against heresies.
Their commemoration on a single day highlights their collective importance and the unity of their theological teachings. In several Orthodox countries, this day also holds particular importance as a celebration of education and learning, with the hierarchs regarded as patrons of students and academic institutions.
History and Origins of The Three Holy Hierarchs
The historical origins of The Three Holy Hierarchs feast trace back to Constantinople in the 11th century. During this period, a theological dispute arose among segments of the Orthodox faithful regarding which of the three revered hierarchs – Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, or John Chrysostom – held the superior position in the Church’s estimation. Some favoured Basil for his monastic rules and organisational skills, others Gregory for his theological depth, and a third group John for his eloquence and pastoral zeal.
This division led to factions within the Church until John Mauropous, the Metropolitan of Euchaita, reportedly experienced a vision. In this vision, the three hierarchs appeared to him jointly, declaring their equality before God and their unity in Christ, stating, “We are one before God, and there is no division among us.” They instructed him to establish a common feast day to end the dispute and to honour their collective legacy. Consequently, the feast day was instituted, emphasising their complementary roles in safeguarding and expounding Orthodox theology.
How The Three Holy Hierarchs Is Celebrated
The celebration of The Three Holy Hierarchs primarily involves religious services and, notably in some regions, educational observances. Within Eastern Orthodox churches globally, special liturgical services are conducted, including Vespers, Orthros, and the Divine Liturgy, featuring hymns and readings specifically dedicated to the three hierarchs. These services commemorate their lives, their theological works, and their enduring impact on the Church.
Observance in Greece
In Greece, the feast day holds particular cultural significance beyond its religious observance. The Three Holy Hierarchs are revered as the patrons of learning, education, and students. Consequently, schools and universities across the country often participate in commemorative events. These may include special prayers, speeches, and academic ceremonies honouring their intellectual and theological legacy. Some educational institutions may observe shortened teaching hours or a temporary suspension of classes to allow for participation in these observances.
General Orthodox Observance
In other Eastern Orthodox countries, such as Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine, the day is primarily observed with church services and veneration of the hierarchs’ icons. While the educational emphasis seen in Greece may not be as pronounced, the hierarchs are universally acknowledged for their contributions to patristic theology and their role as pillars of the Orthodox faith.
When Is The Three Holy Hierarchs?
The Three Holy Hierarchs is observed on a fixed date. For those Eastern Orthodox Churches that adhere to the Revised Julian Calendar (also known as the New Calendar), the feast day falls on 30 January according to the Gregorian calendar.
However, for Eastern Orthodox Churches that continue to use the traditional Julian Calendar (also known as the Old Calendar), the observance of 30 January on their calendar corresponds to 12 February on the Gregorian calendar. This date variation is due to the 13-day difference between the two calendar systems.
The Three Holy Hierarchs Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious Observance |
| Date | 30 January (New Calendar) or 12 February (Old Calendar, Gregorian equivalent) |
| Countries | Predominantly Eastern Orthodox countries (e.g., Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine) |
| Also known as | Feast of the Three Ecumenical Teachers, Day of Greek Letters (in Greece) |
| Calendar system | Julian (Old Calendar) or Revised Julian (New Calendar) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Three Holy Hierarchs?
The Three Holy Hierarchs are three prominent bishops and theologians of the early Christian Church: Basil the Great (Bishop of Caesarea), Gregory the Theologian (Bishop of Constantinople), and John Chrysostom (Archbishop of Constantinople). They are venerated for their defence of Orthodox doctrine and their extensive theological writings.
Why are the Three Holy Hierarchs celebrated together?
Their joint commemoration originated in the 11th century to resolve a theological dispute in Constantinople regarding which of the three was superior. A vision experienced by John Mauropous confirmed their equal status and collective importance, leading to the establishment of a common feast day.
What is the significance of The Three Holy Hierarchs in education?
In many Eastern Orthodox countries, particularly Greece, the Three Holy Hierarchs are considered the patrons of education, students, and learning. Their feast day is often marked by special school events, prayers, and academic ceremonies, sometimes resulting in shortened school hours or a day off.