THE SYNAXIS OF THE THREE HOLY HIERARCHS (JAN 30TH)

The Three Holy Hierarchs - St. Basil of Caesarea, St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Great 

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

In the eleventh century, a great dispute arose among Christians in Constantinople concerning which of the three great hierarchs - Saint Basil the Great (commemorated on January 1), Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25), and Saint John Chrysostom (November 13) - was the greatest. 

Each faction championed their preferred saint, forming groups that identified as Basilians, Gregorians, or Johnites. Those who venerated Saint Basil praised his ascetic rigor, theological clarity, and charitable works. Admirers of Saint Gregory extolled his sublime theology and poetic eloquence, while the followers of Saint John Chrysostom revered his golden-mouthed preaching and fearless defense of truth. As these divisions grew, unity within the Church was threatened, and a spirit of rivalry overshadowed the love and harmony that should characterize Christian fellowship. 

By divine providence, the matter was resolved through a heavenly vision granted to Saint John, Bishop of Euchaita, in the year AD 1084. The three hierarchs appeared to him together in a vision, radiating heavenly light and unity. They declared: 

"We are one before God, and there is no division among us. Each of us, in our own way, has labored for the glory of God and the edification of His Church. There is no opposition between us, and we desire no discord among our followers. Therefore, let the faithful cease these disputes and honor us together in a single feast, as we stand together in the presence of the Holy Trinity."

Obedient to this revelation, Bishop John established a joint feast on January 30, commemorating the Three Hierarchs as one in spirit and mission. This celebration served as a powerful testament to the unity of faith and the complementary nature of their teachings—Saint Basil’s commitment to monasticism and social justice, Saint Gregory’s profound theological insight, and Saint John’s fiery preaching and pastoral care. 

Since that time, the Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs has been observed as a feast of Christian wisdom, harmony, and theological brilliance. These holy fathers are venerated not only for their writings and deeds but for their role in shaping the doctrine, liturgy, and pastoral life of the Orthodox Church. They are honored as "rivers of wisdom," whose teachings continue to nourish the faithful and guide the Church in truth. 

Troparion - Tone 1

Let us who love their words gather together 

and honor with hymns the three great torch-bearers of the Triune Godhead: 

Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom.  

These men have enlightened the world with the rays of their divine doctrines. 

They are sweetly flowing rivers of wisdom, 

filling all creation with springs of heavenly knowledge. 

Ceaselessly they intercede for us before the Holy Trinity! 

Kontakion - Tone 2

O Lord, You have taken up to eternal rest 

and to the enjoyment of Your blessings 

the divinely inspired heralds, the greatest of Your teachers, 

for You have accepted their labors and deaths as a sweet-smelling sacrifice, 

for You alone are glorified in Your saints! 

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