What day is it?

Every year on February 12, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of three saints at once: Basil the Great (of Caesarea), Gregory the Theologian (Nazianzin) and John the Baptist. The people called this day Three holy daysanother name is Cathedral of the Three Saints.

How the idea of ​​the celebration came about Trinity?

The Feast of the Three Saints began to be celebrated in the 11th century, when a debate arose about the supremacy of one of the three ministers. In the course of the dispute, a general opinion was accepted about their equality in holiness. Vasyl, Grigoriy and Ivan became servants of the Trinity forever.

On the instructions of the Saints, Bishop Ivan united the days of remembrance of each individual saint into a single common holiday. In the annals, the first mention of the establishment of this holiday dates back to 1076 – the day of Trisvtya became January 30 (February 12 according to the new style).

Three saints

The three saints were brought up in families of believers, so the Three Saints are associated with family holiness. Basil the Great was the archbishop of Caesarea Cappadocia, a theologian and church writer. Saint Basil, together with his close friend Gregory the Theologian, were the Cappadocian Church Fathers. Gregory the Theologian and John the Baptist were archbishops of Constantinople and theologians.

Saint Basil

Since childhood, St. Vasyl was noted for his desire for science and worship. He entered the history of the church as a wise organizer, preacher, writer and legislator of the principles of monastic life. Throughout his life, Vasyl paid a lot of attention to orphans, the sick and the poor, honored and defended the Holy Scriptures from infidels. For his ideas and God-pleasing actions, he received the title of Great from the Church. On the day of his death, liturgies and services are held in all churches.

Grigory the Theologian

Even before the birth of St. Gregory, his mother decided to give him to serve God. The boy grew sympathetic and quiet. His dream was a solitary life spent in prayer and study. Having obtained a higher education, he decided to go to Athens. On the way, the ship on which Grigory was was caught in a storm. The young man, who was not baptized at that time, made a vow that he would devote his whole life to the service of the only God in the event of salvation.

In Athens, Grigory formed a friendship with Saint Basil. In the future, the friends never parted, knowing only two roads: to the temple and to the school. Saint Gregory’s spiritual legacy was poems, sermons and letters.

Ivan Zolotousty

Ivan Zolotousty entered the history of the Holy Church as a universal teacher, a preacher of the Eastern Christian Church, a lawyer and a lightning speaker. For his eloquence, he received the title of saint during his lifetime. To this day, the liturgy of John Chrysostom exists in Christian churches.

While reading sermons, Ivan provided a wise but accessible explanation of the Old and New Testaments. Many people admired his things and were inspired by faith. Now more than 800 sermons and letters are known. And the book about the priesthood, which was written by the saint in his own hand, is still preserved. Excerpts from the works of Ivan the Golden-eared were found in the collection of Grand Duke Svyatoslav, dated 1033.

Signs and rules for the Holy Trinity

On February 12, the ardent love of the three saints for God and their neighbors is celebrated in churches. At divine services, their importance for the Holy Church and the contribution that each of them individually made to its development are mentioned.

• It is important to visit the church and pray to the Three Saints.
• February 12 should be spent in a warm family circle.
• To reconcile with enemies, you need to light three candles next to the icon of the saints and read a prayer for reconciliation.
• Swearing, slandering, spinning, and physical work are strictly prohibited on this day.

When will we celebrate Trinity?