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February 18, 2011
Jordanville: Bishop Jerome led the Divine Services in Holy Trinity Monastery for the Feast of the Three Hierarchs

On January 30 (February 12 new style), the Orthodox Church commemorates the Three Holy Teachers and Hierarchs Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. In Greece, since the time of the Turkish occupation, this day (called "Greek Letters Day") has been a holiday of Education and Enlightenment, a feast day for all teachers and students, particularly in universities.

Although named in honor of the Holy Trinity, the Seminary at Jordanville counts them as their heavenly intercessors, and their feast day is a special seminary holiday. It was established as such in 1954 with the blessing of Archbishop Vitaly (Maximenko), and was first celebrated that year.

Many guests visited Holy Trinity Monastery on the occasion of the seminary holiday, among them past seminary graduates. His Grace Jerome, Bishop of Manhattan, led the festivities.

The celebration of the feast began the previous night, February 11, with the All-Night Vigil; Bishop Jerome of Manhattan served with the brotherhood clergy. In remembrance of the Byzantine heritage of the Three Holy Hierarchs, portions of the service were in Greek and sung in Byzantine chant, under the direction of Hieromonk Cyprian (Alexandrou), a teacher of New Testament Greek at the seminary.

Click here for more information and photographs on the official website of Holy Trinity Seminary.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese